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 same is true if your white fabric has any prints or special embellishments. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2025

Standout pieces include the Memphis Gown with pleated sheer sleeves, the Ellerie Cape Gown in deep forest satin, and the Alora Gown featuring delicate embellishment and voluminous sleeves. —Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 27 Nov. 2025

Throughout the New England property, guests will be able to enjoy festive decor like garlands, flower arrangements, and an 18-foot Christmas tree trimmed with vintage glass ornaments and folksy felt-and-wood embellishments. —John Ortved, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2025

At competitions, my wild belts and affinity for unorthodox embellishments set my outfits apart, while, at the barn, Canonboy is determined to eat the fluff on my various Gigi Burris mohawk hats. —Katharine K. Zarrella, Vogue, 25 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1