decorative
adjective
dec·o·ra·tive
ˈde-k(ə-)rə-tiv 
ˈde-kə-ˌrā-
: serving to decorate
especially
: purely ornamental
decoratively
adverb
decorativeness
noun
Synonyms
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
This decorative tin is filled with pieces of pecan covered in chocolate and rich caramel for a dessert that your mom will never forget.
—
Moriah Mason, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2024
The plastic pot can be placed into a decorative planter, or it can be left as is, since the leaves cover most of the pot, according to reviewers.
—Lauren Taylor, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Apr. 2024
Fabric Backed Vinyl − this wallpaper has a substrate laminated to a solid vinyl decorative surface.
—Randy Tucker, The Enquirer, 4 Apr. 2024
Archaeologists also said the armor was missing decorative elements that are typical on Hussar armor, which suggests it was made locally and ordered by a wealthy nobleman, not for a general soldier, according to the release.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2024
The large, 24-inch wreath will look beautiful on a front door, above a mantel, or as a decorative accessory on a bookshelf.
—Alida Nugent, Peoplemag, 2 Apr. 2024
Black brick was used in the markers as a decorative element.
—Michael Wells, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2024
Currently, Mitchell spends his days at his glassblowing workshop in El Segundo, creating drinkware, vases, decorative bottles and lighting.
—Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2024
Its Indictment of the Kids TV Industry By Emma Specter
The Moroccan stitching—decorative and intrinsic to the shirt's construction—is done by a women's collective outside of Marrakech.
—Mark Holgate, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2024
Moriah Mason, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2024
The plastic pot can be placed into a decorative planter, or it can be left as is, since the leaves cover most of the pot, according to reviewers.
—Lauren Taylor, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Apr. 2024
Fabric Backed Vinyl − this wallpaper has a substrate laminated to a solid vinyl decorative surface.
—Randy Tucker, The Enquirer, 4 Apr. 2024
Archaeologists also said the armor was missing decorative elements that are typical on Hussar armor, which suggests it was made locally and ordered by a wealthy nobleman, not for a general soldier, according to the release.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2024
The large, 24-inch wreath will look beautiful on a front door, above a mantel, or as a decorative accessory on a bookshelf.
—Alida Nugent, Peoplemag, 2 Apr. 2024
Black brick was used in the markers as a decorative element.
—Michael Wells, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2024
Currently, Mitchell spends his days at his glassblowing workshop in El Segundo, creating drinkware, vases, decorative bottles and lighting.
—Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2024
Its Indictment of the Kids TV Industry By Emma Specter
The Moroccan stitching—decorative and intrinsic to the shirt's construction—is done by a women's collective outside of Marrakech.
—Mark Holgate, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'decorative.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1791, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing decorative
Dictionary Entries Near decorative
Cite this Entry
“Decorative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decorative. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
decorative
adjective
dec·o·ra·tive
ˈdek-(ə-)rət-iv
ˈdek-ə-ˌrāt-
: serving to decorate : ornamental
decoratively
adverb
decorativeness
noun
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