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 Callery pear tree is an ornamental species native to China and Vietnam. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

Hand-hewn seat slats rest atop an ornamental deer antler rack, its tines buttery smooth, the color of straw. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 2 July 2025

Noun

Scales attack a variety of plants including woody ornamentals such as boxwoods, camellias and hollies, young trees such as maples, and houseplants. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 26 June 2025

To maintain healthy ornamentals that bloom abundantly, avoid pruning these 10 plants in summer. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 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