decoration
Americannoun
-
decorations
plural
-
something used for decorating; adornment; embellishment.
The gymnasium was adorned with posters and crepe-paper decorations for the dance.
-
the act of decorating.
-
a badge, medal, etc., conferred and worn as a mark of honor.
a decoration for bravery.
noun
-
an addition that renders something more attractive or ornate; adornment
-
the act, process, or art of decorating
-
a medal, badge, etc, conferred as a mark of honour
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of decoration
First recorded in 1575–85; from Late Latin decorātiōn- (stem of decorātiō ) “an ornament”; see decorate, -ion
Explanation
A decoration is anything used to make something more attractive or festive. If you’re having a Valentine’s Day party, drape your house in red and pink decorations. Decoration is also a type of honor, like a soldier's medal or stripe. To decorate is to spiff something up, making it more colorful and attractive, like hanging streamers in a room or ornaments on a tree. Decorations are things used in this way. Many decorations are specific to holidays, like green decorations for St. Patrick's Day. Also, decorations are the honors given to people who have won or achieved something. A war hero's Purple Heart medal is a decoration. You can say that someone who has many of these honors is decorated.
Vocabulary lists containing decoration
Memorial Day Words
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Familiar Places"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for February 12–February 18, 2022
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
So had the creation and decoration of Prague’s earliest Jewish synagogue, the Altneuschul, the double-naved Gothic house of worship completed in 1270 that is also the oldest still-active synagogue in Europe.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026
The sequel is flat and digital, loaded with garish CGI and set decoration that often mistakes boho chic for cottagecore.
From Salon ● Sep. 14, 2026
Now, thanks to a joint install with a friend, the light fixture hangs in the laundry area between the bedroom and bathroom, occasionally catching a cross breeze but mostly serving as decoration.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026
The pot was compact enough to fit in a palm, with a simple rim, a smooth dull gray surface, and no decoration.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 22, 2026
The stark white walls were devoid of decoration.
From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan
Avoid any activities that may create a spark, secure those outdoor holiday decorations, and stay hydrated!
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 14, 2026
Some of the pieces carried decorations that looked strikingly similar to pottery found hundreds of miles farther north.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 6, 2026
Chinese products heading to American stores ranging from toys to small household appliances to Christmas decorations will benefit from the lower tariffs.
From BBC ● Sep. 28, 2026
In the wholesale markets of Yiwu, the Chinese city known for supplying the world with inexpensive goods, buyers can find prayer rugs, Quran stands, modest clothing, Ramadan lanterns and crescent-shaped decorations.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 12, 2026
That’s what everybody said as they flashed warm smiles and showed us their preowned clothing, Christmas decorations, jewelry, and whatnots.
From "March Forward, Girl" by Melba Pattillo Beals
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
