decorative

adjective

dec·o·ra·tive | \ ˈde-k(ə-)rə-tiv

How to pronounce decorative (audio)

, ˈde-kə-ˌrā- \

Definition of decorative

: serving to decorate especially : purely ornamental

Other Words from decorative Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about decorative

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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 Take for example, these two decorative pillows designed for Wing on Wo & Co., the oldest store in Chinatown. — Julie Tong, Vogue, "20 Ways to Shop and Support the AAPI Community," 9 Apr. 2021 While decorative pillows, swings, and fire pits help to make a space interesting, one of our favorite ways to dress up an outdoor space is to hang string lights. — Southern Living, "11 Outdoor String Light Sets from Amazon That Will Transform Your Porch," 9 Apr. 2021 Rob Cramer, interim associate vice chancellor of facilities planning and management at UW-Madison, said all 68 concrete slabs — which are decorative and not critical to the building's structure — will be removed on the third and fourth floor. — Devi Shastri, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Gov. Tony Evers authorizes emergency work after concrete slabs fall at UW-Madison. Tommy Thompson says other campuses have similar problems.," 9 Apr. 2021 Ten months later, the My Texas House line launched on March 1 with 34 products ranging from decorative pillows to wall art to curtains. — Kimi Robinson, The Arizona Republic, "Instagram fame, then a Walmart deal: How an Arizona woman became known for her home décor," 5 Apr. 2021 Like with distressed furniture, light fixtures should be decorative and appear aged. — Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, chicagotribune.com, "How to decorate in French Country style," 17 Mar. 2021 Peruse signature lines of linens, pillows, duvet covers, and hemstitch sheets as well as This Works bath and body products, scented candles, decorative pillows and fluffy robes. — Necee Regis, BostonGlobe.com, "Get away and give back, a desert oasis in Mexico, and re-creating your favorite hotel at home," 3 Mar. 2021 The background shows a cream couch, topped with decorative pillows, as well as a couple plants and a table, on which the Cambridges appear to have placed a couple family photos. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "Kate Middleton and Prince William Offer a Peek Inside Anmer Hall, the Royal Couple's Country Home," 15 Jan. 2021 Members choose their own costumes, which can be either decorative or themed. — Doug Maccash | Staff Writer, NOLA.com, "Phunny Phorty Phellows’ socially distanced streetcar ride will kick off Mardi Gras 2021," 4 Jan. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'decorative.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

21 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Decorative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decorative. Accessed 22 Apr. 2021.

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More Definitions for decorative

decorative

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of decorative

: used to make something more attractive : used for decoration

See the full definition for decorative in the English Language Learners Dictionary

decorative

adjective

dec·o·ra·tive | \ ˈde-kə-rə-tiv

, ˈde-krə- \

Kids Definition of decorative

: serving to improve appearance : ornamental Decorative banners were hung for the fair.

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