ornamental

1 of 2

adjective

or·​na·​men·​tal ˌȯr-nə-ˈmen-tᵊl 

: of, relating to, or serving as ornament

specifically : grown as an ornamental

ornamentally

ˌȯr-nə-ˈmen-tᵊl-ē 

adverb

ornamental

2 of 2

noun

: a decorative object

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

Synonyms of ornamental

Adjective

• decorative

Noun

• ornament
• novelty
• souvenir
• bauble
• knickknack
• trinket

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

Tomato Companion Plants To Use As Trap Crops Trap crops attract pests away from desirable plants such as food crops or ornamental plantings. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 May 2026

But lighting is an intimate affair in this city; Los Angeles has long loved its ornamental and whimsical street lamps. —Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026

Noun

Water ornamentals only when the soil is dry, once every week or two or three. —Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026

Mix edible plants with ornamentals There’s no rule that says your decorative containers can’t also be productive. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1595, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1650, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ornamental

• accidental
• compartmental
• continental
• detrimental
• elemental
• fundamental
• governmental
• incidental
• incremental
• instrumental
• interdental
• monumental

Kids Definition

ornamental

1 of 2 adjective

or·​na·​men·​tal ˌȯr-nə-ˈment-ᵊl 

: of, relating to, or serving as ornament

ornamentally

-ᵊl-ē 

adverb

ornamental

2 of 2 noun

: a decorative object

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