decoration

[dek-uh-rey-shuh n]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR decoration ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

something used for decorating; adornment; embellishment: The gymnasium was adorned with posters and crepe-paper decorations for the dance.

the act of decorating.

interior decoration.

a badge, medal, etc., conferred and worn as a mark of honor: a decoration for bravery.

Origin of decoration

1575–85; < Late Latin decorātiōn- (stem of decorātiō) an ornament. See decorate, -ion

Related formsnon·dec·o·ra·tion, nouno·ver·dec·o·ra·tion, nounre·dec·o·ra·tion, nounsu·per·dec·o·ra·tion, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for decoration

"I was searching for something suburban—some low form of decoration that could be transformed," she said.
Kim Gordon: Going Solo After Sonic Youth, and Why She Identifies With ‘Girls’|Andrew Romano|April 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But they were once used for so much more than just decoration.
Jodhpur Is an Oasis in the Middle of the Mad Rush of India|William O’Connor|March 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In 2005, Congress passed the Stolen Valor Act, a law making it illegal to lie about receiving a military medal or decoration.
Seven Things the Do-Nothing Congress Did|Ben Jacobs|December 27, 2013|DAILY BEAST
I have all the paintings and any decoration taken out of the room.
Maya Angelou: How I Write|Noah Charney|April 10, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Memorial Day began as Decoration Day, honoring and mourning the soldiers who died in the American Civil War.
Ten Years In, Remembering Our Wars|Roy Scranton|May 28, 2012|DAILY BEAST
It is the most beautiful pulpit in all Italy, splendid alike in its decoration and its construction.
Florence and Northern Tuscany with Genoa|Edward Hutton
The little bits left from the decoration are chopped and used in the salpicon or in a sauce.
The Century Cook Book|Mary Ronald
Still more surprising is the elegance and completeness of the decoration.
A history of art in ancient Egypt, Vol. I (of 2)|Georges Perrot
To this diversity of lines we must add the diversity of decoration.
The Spell of the Heart of France|Andr Hallays
The green family in its finest form is undoubtedly a Kang-he production, but all of the decoration was not in green.
Chats on Oriental China|J. F. Blacker

British Dictionary definitions for decoration

decoration

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for decoration

early 15c., "action of decorating, beautification," from Late Latin decorationem (nominative decoratio), noun of action from past participle stem of decorare (see decorate). Meaning "that which decorates" is from 1670s. As "a badge or medal worn as a mark of honor," it is attested from 1816 (often in plural, decorations).

decoration

noun

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Origin of decoration

Examples from the Web for decoration

decoration

noun