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
Advertisement Colorful icicle lights draped from decorative truss towers will be on the carrier’s flight deck and nearly a dozen of the Midway’s aircraft will be wrapped in holiday lights.
—
Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Nov. 2023
Benedict, meanwhile, is an expert colorist, a dab hand with print who knows all about decorative drama.
—Grace McCloud, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2023
Three of the four shelves have a 12-inch clearance that may limit taller decorative items.
—Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Nov. 2023
The traditional-looking chairs are slightly distressed and have decorative legs that give a nod to the French country aesthetic.
—Sanah Faroke, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2023
These builds turn into jewelry, decorative items, and actually useful bits of storage, like this adorable little drawer that can be customized to your child’s preferences and then used to hold all of their treasures.
—Sarah Bradley, Parents, 16 Nov. 2023
Committed to the notion that style can be responsible, the Rochelle Porter Lotus decorative pillow is Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) certified and mindfully made.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 15 Nov. 2023
Its elegant design adds style and sophistication, while the surface provides the perfect space to display your favorite decorative items.
—Theresa Johnson, Rolling Stone, 15 Nov. 2023
Using the tines of a fork, press dough around piecrust edge to make a decorative design.
—Nancie McDermott, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2023
See More
Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Nov. 2023
Benedict, meanwhile, is an expert colorist, a dab hand with print who knows all about decorative drama.
—Grace McCloud, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2023
Three of the four shelves have a 12-inch clearance that may limit taller decorative items.
—Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Nov. 2023
The traditional-looking chairs are slightly distressed and have decorative legs that give a nod to the French country aesthetic.
—Sanah Faroke, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2023
These builds turn into jewelry, decorative items, and actually useful bits of storage, like this adorable little drawer that can be customized to your child’s preferences and then used to hold all of their treasures.
—Sarah Bradley, Parents, 16 Nov. 2023
Committed to the notion that style can be responsible, the Rochelle Porter Lotus decorative pillow is Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) certified and mindfully made.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 15 Nov. 2023
Its elegant design adds style and sophistication, while the surface provides the perfect space to display your favorite decorative items.
—Theresa Johnson, Rolling Stone, 15 Nov. 2023
Using the tines of a fork, press dough around piecrust edge to make a decorative design.
—Nancie McDermott, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2023
See More
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 30 Nov. 2023.
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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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