furnishing

noun

fur·​nish·​ing ˈfər-ni-shiŋ 

1

: an object that tends to increase comfort or utility

especially : an article of furniture for the interior of a building

—usually used in plural

2

: an article or accessory of dress

—usually used in plural

Synonyms of furnishing

• furniture

Examples of furnishing in a Sentence

we moved the furnishings out of the room so we could sand down and refinish the wood floor

Recent Examples on the Web

Mike Bowman, designer, furniture industry expert, and director of marketing for Harmonia Living, says this trend relies on furnishings to bring artfulness to a space—rather than just functionality. —Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026

While accent chairs can be reused as is, they can also be reupholstered and finished to better match a room's existing decor and furnishings. —Sheila Kim, The Spruce, 10 Jan. 2026

All rooms feel spacious and sleek, thanks to 12-foot ceilings, six-foot-high windows, custom lighting and furnishings, and gleaming wood finishes. —Sandra Ramani, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026

Nashville interior designer Alyssa Spyridon helped shape the aesthetic, sourcing furnishings, decor, lighting, and art from local antique dealers and showrooms. —Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for furnishing

• burnishing