decoration

American  

[dek-uh-rey-shuhn] / ˌdɛk əˈreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. something used for decorating; adornment; embellishment.

   The gymnasium was adorned with posters and crepe-paper decorations for the dance.

2. the act of decorating.

3. interior decoration.

4. a badge, medal, etc., conferred and worn as a mark of honor.

   a decoration for bravery.

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decoration British  

/ ˌdɛkəˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. an addition that renders something more attractive or ornate; adornment

2. the act, process, or art of decorating

3. a medal, badge, etc, conferred as a mark of honour

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Other Word Forms

• nondecoration noun
• overdecoration noun
• redecoration noun
• superdecoration noun

Etymology

Origin of decoration

First recorded in 1575–85; from Late Latin decorātiōn- (stem of decorātiō ) “an ornament”; decorate, -ion

Example Sentences

That and two chairs were about all the decoration in the place.

From Literature

I gazed at its marshes and rice fields, at kingfishers hovering to dive, cattle egrets dotting the landscape with white, and weaverbird nests dangling from trees like Christmas decorations.

From Literature

The company’s ethos is in the name: Toys, games, party decorations and more sell for $5 or less.

From The Wall Street Journal

There's also a box of stones – Jewish mourners traditionally place a stone on a grave instead of flowers – as well as flags, books, Christmas decorations and even a Barbie cracker.

From BBC

They are the world’s most expensive decorations — a clean-energy Potemkin village stretched across the provinces.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• color
• design
• finery
• ornament
• plaque
• ribbon
• trinket
• wreath