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, 24 Sep. 2025
While there are lots of ornamental grass varieties on the market, some of the best choices for fall containers include purple fountain grass or blue fescue.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Sep. 2025
Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Sep. 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, 24 Sep. 2025
While there are lots of ornamental grass varieties on the market, some of the best choices for fall containers include purple fountain grass or blue fescue.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
Taller ornamental grasses work well for the vertical element in more permanent in-ground mum displays, and dwarf varieties, which are still often two feet tall, are well-suited for fall container designs.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Sep. 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 30 Sep. 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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