ornamental

adjective

or·na·men·tal | \ ˌȯr-nə-ˈmen-tᵊl

Definition of ornamental

(Entry 1 of 2)

: of, relating to, or serving as ornament specifically : grown as an ornamental

ornamental

noun

Definition of ornamental (Entry 2 of 2)

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

Other Words from ornamental Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about ornamental

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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

Traditional kitchens feature rich materials and ornamental motifs—elaborate trim work, brackets, antique fixtures. — Jessica Dailey, Good Housekeeping, "Doors and Drawers," 11 Feb. 2019 Many edible plants are ornamental themselves, such as peppers, eggplants, fennel, dill, cardoon and kale. — Margaret Lauterbach, idahostatesman, "Cottage gardens can include edibles as well as ornamentals | Idaho Statesman," 21 Mar. 2018 Number two, calling their books out as accessories—ornamental and for show—implies that the Hadid sisters are more interested in the appearance of reading and less in the substance of the book itself. — Glamour, "A Tabloid Called the Hadids’ Books ‘Hot Accessories’ and People Have Thoughts," 21 Mar. 2019 Only a fraction of nonnative ornamental plants become invasive, but those that do have the capacity to completely transform natural areas. — Adrian Higgins, The Seattle Times, "Scientists thought they had created the perfect tree. But it became a nightmare.," 17 Sep. 2018 See: Belgian Dries Van Noten, who stitches ornamental embroidery onto his overcoats and button-up men’s shirts. — Jacob Gallagher, WSJ, "Who Needs Gender? Why Men and Women Are Dressing Identically," 21 Feb. 2019 Phoebe disrupted the idea that women are ornamental, objects whose sole purpose for existing is to attract the attention of men. — Amanda Murray, Teen Vogue, "People Are Scrambling to Buy Old Céline After Hedi Slimane's Controversial Collection," 26 Oct. 2018 Wedding parties today are a bit more ornamental; the coveted role of bridesmaid was originally conceptualized to fulfill important wedding-day responsibilities. — Carrie Goldberg, Harper's BAZAAR, "Here's What Your Bridesmaids Aren't Telling You," 24 Aug. 2016 Her pink Double Happiness piece takes a cue from the typical ornamental design of the same name that usually punctuates Chinese weddings in the form of decor and signage. — Kristen Bateman, Vogue, "Meet the Neon Light Artist Beloved by New York Cool Girls," 15 Jan. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

They can be found on many fruits and vegetables, ornamentals, and shade trees. — The Editors, Good Housekeeping, "The 10 Most Destructive Garden Insects and How to Get Rid of Them," 10 July 2018 They can be found on many fruits and vegetables, ornamentals, and shade trees. — The Editors, Good Housekeeping, "The 10 Most Destructive Garden Insects and How to Get Rid of Them," 10 July 2018 They can be found on many fruits and vegetables, ornamentals, and shade trees. — The Editors, Good Housekeeping, "The 10 Most Destructive Garden Insects and How to Get Rid of Them," 10 July 2018 They can be found on many fruits and vegetables, ornamentals, and shade trees. — The Editors, Good Housekeeping, "The 10 Most Destructive Garden Insects and How to Get Rid of Them," 10 July 2018 Fusarium + Verticillium Wilt These fungal wilts attack a wide range of flowers, vegetables, fruits, and ornamentals. — The Editors Of Organic Life, Good Housekeeping, "Grow Healthy Food By Identifying + Treating These Common Plant Diseases," 21 July 2015 They can be found on many fruits and vegetables, ornamentals, and shade trees. — The Editors, Good Housekeeping, "The 10 Most Destructive Garden Insects and How to Get Rid of Them," 10 July 2018 They can be found on many fruits and vegetables, ornamentals, and shade trees. — The Editors, Good Housekeeping, "The 10 Most Destructive Garden Insects and How to Get Rid of Them," 10 July 2018 They can be found on many fruits and vegetables, ornamentals, and shade trees. — The Editors, Good Housekeeping, "The 10 Most Destructive Garden Insects and How to Get Rid of Them," 10 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ornamental.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.