ornate

adjective

or·​nate ȯr-ˈnāt 

1

: marked by elaborate rhetoric (see rhetoric sense 2b) or florid (see florid sense 1a) style

He is clear and simple rather than ornate and pompous.

—The Times Literary Supplement (London)

2

: elaborately or excessively decorated

an ornate mantle

an ornate townhouse

ornate chandeliers

ornately adverb

ornateness noun

Synonyms of ornate

• baroque
• decorated
• adorned
• extravagant
• ornamented
• gilded
• florid
• loud
• lacy
• overwrought
• gingerbread
• overdecorated

Examples of ornate in a Sentence

She doesn't like ornate jewelry.

an ornate gambling casino that is designed to look like an Italian palace

Recent Examples on the Web

Topping off her look, the British royal added the vintage coat, which was designed with an ornate pattern and shades of brown and burnt sienna. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 3 Feb. 2026

Whether ornate and symbolic or streamlined and technical, each uniform serves as an emblem of national identity; of course function is just as important as form, if not more, for this year’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes. —Christina Pérez, Vogue, 3 Feb. 2026

The vaulted lobby, dressed up in jewel tones, ornate wall panels, and mixed materials, sets the tone for the rest of your visit. —Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026

Sophie’s wonderment at the ornate environment catches Benedict’s attention. —Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ornat, from Latin ornatus, past participle of ornare to furnish, embellish; akin to Latin ordo order — more at order

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ornate

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

Kids Definition

ornate

adjective

or·​nate ȯr-ˈnāt 

: decorated in a fancy way

ornately adverb

ornateness noun