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

• decoration
• ornament
• adornment

Examples of ornamentation in a Sentence

A bright ribbon was used for ornamentation.

a ballroom with elaborate ornamentation

Recent Examples on the Web

Studs, leopard print, and DIY ornamentation sit alongside soft pastels, swirling graphic patterns, and a Nouveau color palette inspired by the Parisian Metropolitain signs. —Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Born into postwar optimism in the mid-20th century, the movement favored steel, concrete, and insulated glass in defiance of ornamentation. —Will Speros, Architectural Digest, 3 Sep. 2025

When all of the ornamentation falls away, especially now that the show’s in its third season, Billeter thinks that the camera and the composition of the frame can really get at the emotional storylines. —Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2025

Told by one of the firm’s senior partners to add ornamentation to the design for a pyramid atop an office building, Wells flatly refused. —Henry Wiencek july 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025

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