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

There was also an ornate box turtle named Walter who might live to 40 years of age. —Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026

Defined by its metallic hardware, ornate embroidery and often shrunken fit, the jacket added romance and opulence to the season. —Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 17 Apr. 2026

The coloring and low profile on this design still feels neutral while adding a little visual interest with the ornate patterning. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 16 Apr. 2026

Tuscan-Style Kitchens The late ’90s saw a flux of Tuscan and Mediterranean-inspired kitchens, featuring dark wood cabinetry, ornate ironwork, and dark granite countertops. —Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 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