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

Adjective

• decorative

Noun

• ornament
• novelty
• souvenir
• bauble
• knickknack
• collectable
• trinket
• collectible

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

The Bayfront And Barge By the water, a giant ornamental stone barge juts into Biscayne Bay, designed to resemble a Venetian boat and double as a breakwater. —Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2025

Dahlias are in full swing, and many ornamental grasses are displaying their seed heads. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2025

Noun

Mealybugs can affect all types of crops, ornamentals, and houseplants, including succulents and cacti. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 31 July 2025

Powdery mildew is a common plant disease that affects ornamentals and edible crops, causing powdery splotches on plant leaves and stems. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2025

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