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

The slender blade, about eight inches long, curls back on itself into a rounded spiral like the swirl of soft-serve ice cream and ends in a leaflike embellishment. —Patricia Marx, New Yorker, 22 Nov. 2025

In some images from the event, Monét’s metallic silver skinny stiletto heels, featuring a thin strap adorned with a square crystal embellishment across the toes, subtly peeked out from beneath the long gown. —Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 22 Nov. 2025

The denim assortment combines contemporary fits with nods to Juicy Couture signatures like low-rise flare fits and crystal embellishments. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 21 Nov. 2025

The shape expresses a clarity of line and freedom from embellishment, suggesting this car was made by designers for designers. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 21 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1