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

Rogers’ designs on the second floor of the Merrywood House are less ornate than those on the first, though not by much. — Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2026

Judges mingled with customers at a coffee shop before speaking at the domed, ornate Westmoreland County Courthouse. — ABC News, 10 July 2026

In these ornate halls, while those with more serious ailments might soak in mineral baths or endure being wrapped in a wet sheet for the sake of their health, others played cards, chatted with friends, and attended concerts. — Veronique Greenwood, Time, 9 July 2026

The ornate vehicle holding the coffins is white and green, according to footage from Reuters. — Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 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