ornamentation

noun

or·​na·​men·​ta·​tion ˌȯr-nə-mən-ˈtā-shən 

-ˌmen-

1

: something that ornaments : embellishment

2

: the act or process of ornamenting : the state of being ornamented

Synonyms

• adornment
• beautifier
• caparison
• decoration
• doodad
• embellisher
• embellishment
• frill
• garnish
• garnishment
• garniture
• ornament
• setoff
• trim

Examples of ornamentation in a Sentence

A bright ribbon was used for ornamentation.

a ballroom with elaborate ornamentation

Recent Examples on the Web

Across the 20th century, a constellation of Black intellectuals and artists approached fashion not merely as ornamentation but as ontology. —Achille Tenkiang, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2025

This shift into ornamentation seems like a natural progression, particularly for Black designers as the Black home is rich in history, aesthetics, and storytelling. —Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 26 Feb. 2025

If László had written the script, these women would have been regarded as ornamentation, a festooning, and probably would have been removed. —Tom Gliatto, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025

The Chrysler Building is now widely regarded as an Art Deco masterpiece, and its steel ornamentation is a welcome reminder of a different era in New York. —Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1706, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ornamentation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration