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
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
27 June 2026
Adult Japanese beetles feed on about 300 different species of ornamental plants, but especially favor roses, grapevines and crabapple, cherry and linden trees.
—
Beth Botts,
Chicago Tribune,
27 June 2026
Sarah Horbacewicz,
CBS News,
25 June 2026
The plant was a Japanese yew, an ornamental that is toxic and deadly to horses, according to the report.
—
Aaron Katersky,
ABC News,
16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ornamental
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Adjective
With curved teardrop shapes, floral accents, and leaf motifs, its design works especially well for the spring and summer seasons, though its abstract, ornamental pattern can be displayed during cooler months as well.
—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
27 June 2026
Adult Japanese beetles feed on about 300 different species of ornamental plants, but especially favor roses, grapevines and crabapple, cherry and linden trees.
—
Beth Botts,
Chicago Tribune,
27 June 2026
Noun
While the company has changed its product over the years, from produce to ornamentals, he's always grown to serve his local community.
—
Sarah Horbacewicz,
CBS News,
25 June 2026
The plant was a Japanese yew, an ornamental that is toxic and deadly to horses, according to the report.
—
Aaron Katersky,
ABC News,
16 June 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 29 Jun. 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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