decorative
adjective
dec·o·ra·tive
ˈde-k(ə-)rə-tiv 
ˈde-kə-ˌrā-
: 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
The kené art in the cabins aren’t just decorative details—they’re a testament to the cultural traditions of the Shipibo-Konibo community that the artist Deysi Ramírez belongs to.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Mar. 2026
All were active in Los Angeles — Williams, for instance, was a pivotal designer on the LAX Theme Building — and Smith interlaces decorative flourishes in varying styles that twist around one another to work up the Legacy Tower’s pointed spheres.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Add curtain holdbacks with playful animal details, or top your door hinges with decorative hinge caps for a knowing wink of whimsy.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2026
Try breaking up stacks of books with storage baskets that hide spare phone chargers and decorative boxes perfect for storing a deck of cards or your bookmark collection.
—Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decorative
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Mar. 2026
All were active in Los Angeles — Williams, for instance, was a pivotal designer on the LAX Theme Building — and Smith interlaces decorative flourishes in varying styles that twist around one another to work up the Legacy Tower’s pointed spheres.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Add curtain holdbacks with playful animal details, or top your door hinges with decorative hinge caps for a knowing wink of whimsy.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2026
Try breaking up stacks of books with storage baskets that hide spare phone chargers and decorative boxes perfect for storing a deck of cards or your bookmark collection.
—Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decorative
Cite this Entry
“Decorative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decorative. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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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