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

On wide İstiklal Avenue and the surrounding Beyoğlu district, Istanbul's once thriving Italian population has left its mark on the city with ornate façades and Byzantine Catholic churches. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Much of that ornate exterior has been painstakingly rebuilt. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2026

Despite its ornate craftsmanship and intricacies, Osaka’s tennis kit is still functional, transitioning from an entrance look to a competition-ready uniform for the four-time Grand Slam champion. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 26 May 2026

Associated with clean lines and primary colors, this architectural style favors simplicity and functionality over ornate decoration and tradition. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 May 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