decorative

adjective

dec·​o·​ra·​tive ˈde-k(ə-)rə-tiv How to pronounce decorative (audio)
ˈde-kə-ˌrā-
Synonyms of decorativenext
: serving to decorate
especially : purely ornamental
decoratively adverb
decorativeness noun

Examples of decorative in a Sentence

We added some decorative details to the room. The handles are decorative and practical.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To design her fantasy hideaway, Champagne set to work making structural repairs such as replacing the pool room roof and adding decorative touches, including a leopard print carpet in the primary bedroom and a bathroom floor embedded with vintage coins. Zoey Goto, Architectural Digest, 6 May 2026 So many new builds right now are very generic and boxy, with almost no decorative features, but many are still brick. Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026 Repurpose bookshelves and decorative items to maximize storage and add style. Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 6 May 2026 From the Green and Ivy pottery booth kids could paint decorative clay pieces and turn them into key chains or magnets while people of all ages could fill a pot with soil and plant succulents. Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for decorative

Word History

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of decorative was in 1791

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Decorative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decorative. Accessed 9 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

decorative

adjective
dec·​o·​ra·​tive ˈdek-(ə-)rət-iv How to pronounce decorative (audio)
ˈdek-ə-ˌrāt-
: serving to decorate : ornamental
decoratively adverb
decorativeness noun

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