ornamental

1 of 2

adjective

or·​na·​men·​tal ˌȯr-nə-ˈmen-tᵊl 

: of, relating to, or serving as ornament

specifically : grown as an ornamental

ornamentally

ˌȯr-nə-ˈmen-tᵊl-ē 

adverb

ornamental

2 of 2

noun

: a decorative object

especially : a plant cultivated for its beauty rather than for use

Synonyms of ornamental

Adjective

• decorative

Noun

• ornament
• novelty
• souvenir
• bauble
• knickknack
• trinket

Examples of ornamental in a Sentence

Adjective

The garden has many ornamental shrubs.

the trim on Victorian houses is sometimes elaborately ornamental

Noun

The garden has many beautiful ornamentals.

a collection of fragile ornamentals kept in a glass cabinet

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Besides being attractive, ornamental grasses can help your garden too, controlling erosion and providing a habitat for local wildlife. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2025

His guest feels almost ornamental. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2025

Noun

Update ornamentals This is THE time of year to add new plants to your garden — or plant a completely new garden. —Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Dec. 2025

Catnip is the least ornamental of the three but most alluring to cats. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1595, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1650, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ornamental

• accidental
• compartmental
• continental
• detrimental
• elemental
• fundamental
• governmental
• incidental
• incremental
• instrumental
• interdental
• monumental

Kids Definition

ornamental

1 of 2 adjective

or·​na·​men·​tal ˌȯr-nə-ˈment-ᵊl 

: of, relating to, or serving as ornament

ornamentally

-ᵊl-ē 

adverb

ornamental

2 of 2 noun

: a decorative object

especially : a plant cultivated for its beauty rather than for use