plural ornaments
1
: a small, fancy object that is put on something else to make it more attractive
She wore a hair ornament.
(US) the hood ornament on a car [=a small metal figure on the front edge of a car's hood]
Christmas ornaments [=small balls, figures, etc., that are hung on a Christmas tree for decoration]
2
formal
: a way to make something look more attractive and less plain
A satin bow was used for ornament. [=decoration]
The columns are there purely as ornament—they have no structural function.
ornaments; ornamented; ornamenting
formal
: to make (something) more attractive by adding small objects to it : decorate
flower patterns used to ornament boxes
—usually used as (be) ornamenteda dress ornamented with pearls
elaborately/highly ornamented ceilings
Cite this Entry
“Ornament.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/ornament. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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