embellishment

noun

em·​bel·​lish·​ment im-ˈbe-lish-mənt 

1

: the act or process of embellishing

2

: something serving to embellish

3

: ornament sense 5

Synonyms of embellishment

• ornamentation
• ornament
• decoration
• adornment

Examples of embellishment in a Sentence

a colorful mobile is just the embellishment that the soon-to-be nursery needs

the actor's penchant for embellishment suggests that his memoirs would be more appropriately shelved in the fiction section

Recent Examples on the Web

Rose Byrne and Bobby Cannavale BAFTA Film Awards 2026 Best Actress nominee Rose Byrne wore a buttery yellow gown with a formfitting bodice, flowing skirt and crystal embellishments on the bodice and halter straps by Miu Miu. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 Feb. 2026

Soul Harbor Ranch brought two miniature therapy horses draped in red fabric with gold embellishments, drawing cheers from people of all ages along the route. —Eva Remijan-Toba, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026

Brooches may be the fashion industry's embellishment du jour, but few enthusiasts know how to wear the age-old accessory quite like the British royal family. —Emma Banks, InStyle, 20 Feb. 2026

His medium was the linocut print—clean, strong, and scornful of embellishment. —Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 16 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1