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 of ornamentation

• 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

The elaborate beading ornamentation is a tribal tradition, now in decline as Westernization takes its toll on tribal communities who live in the vicinity of ever-expanding urban areas. —Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026

Buried amidst the ornamentation is a tiny frog on a skull that students look to for good luck. —Rick Steves, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026

The 20th century led to a stronger simplification and standardization of men’s fashion, yet simultaneously witnessed the emergence of charismatic figures such as artists, intellectuals and icons of music and cinema, who reinstated ornamentation as a powerful means of individual expression. —Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 16 Jan. 2026

Architects, playing off each others’ designs, have developed a form of architectural ornamentation, or art form, unique to downtown Fort Lauderdale. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 Jan. 2026

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