ornamental

1 of 2

adjective

or·​na·​men·​tal ˌȯr-nə-ˈmen-tᵊl 

: of, relating to, or serving as ornament

specifically : grown as an ornamental

ornamentally

ˌȯr-nə-ˈmen-tᵊl-ē 

adverb

ornamental

2 of 2

noun

: a decorative object

especially : a plant cultivated for its beauty rather than for use

Synonyms of ornamental

Adjective

• decorative

Noun

• ornament
• novelty
• souvenir
• bauble
• knickknack
• trinket

Examples of ornamental in a Sentence

Adjective

The garden has many ornamental shrubs.

the trim on Victorian houses is sometimes elaborately ornamental

Noun

The garden has many beautiful ornamentals.

a collection of fragile ornamentals kept in a glass cabinet

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Ankit Singh, assistant professor and ornamental horticulture educator at the University of Maine Extension, recommends rotating tomatoes and other nightshades so they aren't repeatedly grown in the same soil. —Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 2 May 2026

This member of the rose family is outstanding as an ornamental tree. —Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 1 May 2026

Noun

Mix edible plants with ornamentals There’s no rule that says your decorative containers can’t also be productive. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026

While there are more than 50 species of junipers, less than a dozen are grown as ornamentals. —Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1595, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1650, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ornamental

• accidental
• compartmental
• continental
• detrimental
• elemental
• fundamental
• governmental
• incidental
• incremental
• instrumental
• interdental
• monumental

Kids Definition

ornamental

1 of 2 adjective

or·​na·​men·​tal ˌȯr-nə-ˈment-ᵊl 

: of, relating to, or serving as ornament

ornamentally

-ᵊl-ē 

adverb

ornamental

2 of 2 noun

: a decorative object

especially : a plant cultivated for its beauty rather than for use