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

Valentino's Georgette fabrics, chiffon ruffles and ornate embellishments, including the exclusive budellini technique − where sheep's wool is hand-rolled into tubes, wrapped in silk and stitched together − won him a multitude of awards, including France's highest civilian distinction in 2006. —Kim Willis, USA Today, 19 Jan. 2026

The texture does the work, giving even the cleanest shapes depth and character without needing extra embellishment. —Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 19 Jan. 2026

Her fashion sense has become iconic in its own right, synonymous with maximalist country glam, complete with jeweled embellishments and massive wigs. —Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026

Leaning further into elegance, the styles are defined by crystal embroidery across a low-cut vamp, recalling Blahnik’s love of embellishment and making shoes resembling jewels. —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 15 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1