decorative

adjective dec·o·ra·tive \ ˈde-k(ə-)rə-tiv , ˈde-kə-ˌrā- \

Updated on: 20 Apr 2018

Definition of decorative

: serving to decorate; especially : purely ornamental

—

decoratively

adverb

—

decorativeness

noun

See decorative defined for English-language learners

See decorative defined for kids

Examples of decorative in a Sentence

We added some decorative details to the room.
The handles are decorative and practical.

Recent Examples of decorative from the Web

Fans will find Hawkers’ classic newspaper print lined tables at the Windermere restaurant, along with some other decorative details such as a wall lined with dumpling rolling pins and a ceiling lined with woks.

— lauren delgado, OrlandoSentinel.com, "First look: Hawkers Asian Street Fare in Windermere," 16 Apr. 2018
The women tended to be decorative—nagging mothers, put-upon wives or melancholic sisters.

— The Economist, "Edward Albee’s strong and charismatic women are relevant again," 5 Apr. 2018
The township also has been replacing aging decorative and chain-link fences and has agreed to put up a fence, under the township’s contract, for a school that borders the municipal building.

— michaelle bond, Philly.com, "New Jersey governor wants 'czar' to encourage towns to share services," 23 Mar. 2018
The front is mostly decorative, but the two rear zones are designed to splash on your wall.

— hayden dingman, PCWorld, "Logitech's G560 speakers expand your gaming boundaries with screen-synchronized RGB lights," 15 Mar. 2018
Mini-globes on the tables and a special cake channeling Doctor Who were just two of the decorative touches.

— sue strachan, NOLA.com, "Anya Washington honored at debutante party," 11 Feb. 2018
Both these mini-footprint plants would add a refreshing summery touch on a windowsill or hanging in a corner to help ease the winter blues and add a decorative touch.

— amy dewall dadmun, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Green house effect: Plants enhance life in tiny homes, apartments," 26 Jan. 2018
The masculine details were brought in through leather upholstery, mahogany, and decorative objects.

— julie lasky, House Beautiful, "Playful Prints and Vintage Accents Give This Historic Home a Contemporary Update," 21 Nov. 2017
Letters now pass through the mail with stylish collages and decorative combinations of vintage and modern stamps.

— nikki delamotte, cleveland.com, "Cleveland's Instagram-inspired Letter Writers Club puts modern twist on being pen pals," 3 Apr. 2018

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.

First Known Use of decorative

1791

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

decorative Synonyms

Synonyms

adorning, beautifying, cosmetic, embellishing, ornamental;

Antonyms

functional, utilitarian;

beauteous, beautiful, comely, fair, gorgeous, handsome, lovely, pretty, stunning;

detailed, elaborate, fancy, ornate;

DECORATIVE Defined for English Language Learners

decorative

adjective

Definition of decorative for English Language Learners

: used to make something more attractive : used for decoration

DECORATIVE Defined for Kids

decorative

adjective dec·o·ra·tive \ ˈde-kə-rə-tiv , ˈde-krə- \

Definition of decorative for Students

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

Learn More about decorative

See words that rhyme with decorative Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for decorative Spanish Central: Translation of decorative Nglish: Translation of decorative for Spanish speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up decorative? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

decorative

Definition of decorative

decoratively

decorativeness

Examples of decorative in a Sentence

Recent Examples of decorative from the Web

First Known Use of decorative

decorative Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

DECORATIVE Defined for English Language Learners

decorative

Definition of decorative for English Language Learners

DECORATIVE Defined for Kids

decorative

Definition of decorative for Students

Learn More about decorative

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

Trending: 'Venom' Trailer Drives Searches for 'Symbiote'

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes