decoration
[dek-uh-rey-shuh n]
- 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.
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Origin of decoration
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
ornamentcolorwreathtrinketfinerydesignribbonplaquebadgeflounceadornmentspanglefrillenhancementimprovementelaborationdesigningilluminationgarnishflourishExamples from the Web for decoration
Contemporary Examples
"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
But they were once used for so much more than just decoration.
In 2005, Congress passed the Stolen Valor Act, a law making it illegal to lie about receiving a military medal or decoration.
I have all the paintings and any decoration taken out of the room.
Memorial Day began as Decoration Day, honoring and mourning the soldiers who died in the American Civil War.
Historical Examples
It fell to young Ried to appoint the committee on decoration.
Ester Ried Yet SpeakingIsabella Alden
The fashion of its ornament and decoration was foreign to that adopted by the Moors of Granada.
Leila, CompleteEdward Bulwer-Lytton
The bills, as a variety in the funeral procession, almost amounted to a decoration.
Little DorritCharles Dickens
The style of the decoration approaches the Early English character.
English VillagesP. H. Ditchfield
The voice was Coryston's, directed apparently at the Adam decoration of the ceiling.
The Coryston FamilyMrs. Humphry Ward
decoration
- 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
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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
n.
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).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper