embellishment

noun

em·​bel·​lish·​ment im-ˈbe-lish-mənt How to pronounce embellishment (audio)
1
: the act or process of embellishing
2
: something serving to embellish
3

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 For a fun take on the trend, consider springing for a pair with pearl embellishments (like the option below from All Saints) or ones featuring bold colors or patterns. Lauren Dana Ellman, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2023 For the occasion, the tennis champ chose a pink satin cocktail dress with embellishments creating an image of poppies and with extra rhinestones on the bust. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 19 Sep. 2023 An icon can withstand any number of embellishments, re-creations, interpretations. Hanya Yanagihara, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2023 Rather than leaning into the darker elements of spider lore, the nominee went ethereal in Oscar de la Renta, shoulders dusted in silver glitter, face adorned with diamante embellishments and luminous touches. Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2023 Lowe’s work is striking for its exterior purity — clean lines and ingenious embellishments — and its internally complex construction. Rachel Tashjian, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2023 For those who are looking for more of a naked-dress experience, there was a sheer shift with gold embellishments—at once spangly and, because of the ease with which the model was wearing it, totally casual. Izzy Grinspan, Harper's BAZAAR, 7 Sep. 2023 His compositions are stuffed with religious iconography, Baroque embellishments, claustrophobic medieval alleys and lots and lots of pasta. Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2023 Abby donned a strapless white gown with gold embellishments while carrying white roses. Jacklyn Krol, Peoplemag, 19 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'embellishment.' 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

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of embellishment was in 1591

Dictionary Entries Near embellishment

Cite this Entry

“Embellishment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embellishment. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.

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