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
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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, 28 Mar. 2026
But until the last century or so, they weren't even considered a valuable fruit – instead, their ornamental vines and flowers were the selling point.
—New Atlas, 22 Mar. 2026
Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 10 Mar. 2026
Unlike ornamentals, which generally all go into the ground around Mother’s Day, vegetable crops have a specific planting window for success.
—Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ornamental
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Adjective
Although plants are sometimes selected and bred for darker foliage solely for ornamental purposes, there are distinct physiological advantages to plants that have it.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 Mar. 2026
But until the last century or so, they weren't even considered a valuable fruit – instead, their ornamental vines and flowers were the selling point.
—New Atlas, 22 Mar. 2026
Noun
To get the most benefits from DE, read our simple application tips for vegetables, herbs, ornamentals, and houseplants.
—Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 10 Mar. 2026
Unlike ornamentals, which generally all go into the ground around Mother’s Day, vegetable crops have a specific planting window for success.
—Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ornamental
Cite this Entry
“Ornamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ornamental. Accessed 3 Apr. 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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