or·na·men·tal
ˌȯr-nə-ˈmen-tᵊl 
: of, relating to, or serving as ornament
specifically
: grown as an ornamental
: a decorative object
especially
: a plant cultivated for its beauty rather than for use
Synonyms of ornamental
Relevance
Adjective
Noun
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
Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026
Now there’s a comfortable space with a coffeemaker in the central outer room, as well as a private interview room that is insulated with ornamental sound-dampening tiles so children waiting next door can’t hear graphic details their parents are sharing with prosecutors.
—Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2025
Update ornamentals This is THE time of year to add new plants to your garden — or plant a completely new garden.
—Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ornamental
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Adjective
This is a tough, highly ornamental plant that, for some reason, is virtually absent from the nursery trade.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026
Now there’s a comfortable space with a coffeemaker in the central outer room, as well as a private interview room that is insulated with ornamental sound-dampening tiles so children waiting next door can’t hear graphic details their parents are sharing with prosecutors.
—Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
This tree was widely planted as an ornamental for its fall color, as a nectar source for honeybees, and as a source of vegetable tallow used in cosmetics and candles.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2025
Update ornamentals This is THE time of year to add new plants to your garden — or plant a completely new garden.
—Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ornamental
Cite this Entry
“Ornamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ornamental. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ornamental
1 of 2 adjective
or·na·men·tal
ˌȯr-nə-ˈment-ᵊl
: of, relating to, or serving as ornament
ornamental
2 of 2 noun
: a decorative object
especially
: a plant cultivated for its beauty rather than for use
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