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
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
Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 22 Oct. 2025
Spring is ideal for planting flowering shrubs, perennials, and ornamental trees such as azaleas, hydrangeas, and dogwoods.
—William Jones, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2025
Mealybugs can affect all types of crops, ornamentals, and houseplants, including succulents and cacti.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ornamental
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Adjective
Indiana has rich biodiversity with thousands of species in unique habitats, but the ornamental plant trade, globalization and development have introduced new threats to these ecosystems.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 22 Oct. 2025
Spring is ideal for planting flowering shrubs, perennials, and ornamental trees such as azaleas, hydrangeas, and dogwoods.
—William Jones, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
But while many edibles and ornamentals make good companions for apples and other fruit trees, some plants just don't belong in your backyard orchard.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2025
Mealybugs can affect all types of crops, ornamentals, and houseplants, including succulents and cacti.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 31 July 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 24 Oct. 2025.
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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