adorn

[uh-dawrn]

verb (used with object)

1. to decorate or add beauty to, as by ornaments.

   garlands of flowers adorning their hair.

   Synonyms: array, bedizen, bedeck, deck, beautify

2. to make more pleasing, attractive, impressive, etc.; enhance.

   Piety adorned Abigail's character.

adorn

/ əˈdɔːn /

verb

1. to decorate

   she adorned her hair with flowers

2. to increase the beauty, distinction, etc, of

Other Word Forms

• adorner noun
• adorningly adverb
• nonadorner noun
• nonadorning adjective
• overadorn verb (used with object)
• preadorn verb (used with object)
• readorn verb (used with object)
• readorning adjective
• self-adorning adjective
• superadorn verb (used with object)
• adornment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of adorn¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English adornen, from Latin adōrnāre, equivalent to ad- ad- + ōrnāre “to dress” ( ornate ); replacing late Middle English aourne, from Middle French, from Latin

Word History and Origins

Origin of adorn¹

C14: via Old French from Latin adōrnāre, from ōrnāre to furnish, prepare

Example Sentences

Elsewhere on the first level, there is a sophisticated office space and an elegant dining room, which boasts black wallpaper adorned with trees and birds.

Read more on MarketWatch

Many of their doors are adorned with signs that show who they blame for the government shutdown.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In the Mesoamerican world, feather work was highly esteemed, not only adorning headpieces but also clothing, weapons and other accessories typically associated with rulers, gods and warriors.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Among the eight items stolen were diadems, necklaces, ear-rings and brooches adorned with thousands of diamonds and other precious gemstones.

Read more on BBC

In the minute-long advert published last week, Reagan's voice is heard narrating over images that include the New York Stock Exchange and cranes adorned with both US and Canadian flags.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• beautify 
• bedeck 
• deck 
• dress up 
• embellish 
• grace 
• spruce up 
• trim