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.
Participants will use colorful beads and wire to design a decorative hanging air plant or an air plant secured to a rock. Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026 In the bedroom, a huge pillowy invite to sleep longer than my schedule allowed, an old-school record player and books that spanned everything from Where The Crawdads Sing to decorative high-fashion coffee table heroes. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026 The founder of Happy to Help Organizing in Orlando, Florida, is all for functional decorative items, though. Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 22 Apr. 2026 Cluttered Accents While your patio should definitely have some personality, there is such a thing as going overboard with decorative accents, McGhee notes. Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 22 Apr. 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 26 Apr. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on decorative

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster