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

They’re an everyday kitchen staple, a decoration drying outside homes, and a tool to ward off bad spirits and illness.

From Salon • Jan. 15, 2026

Instead, the authors suggest the emphasis on flowers may relate to their association with positive emotional responses, making them especially appealing subjects for decoration.

From Science Daily • Dec. 16, 2025

Nutcracker Soldier dolls are a traditional German Christmas decoration dating back to the 17th Century.

From BBC • Nov. 26, 2025

So, as a photographer, you just naturally took photos while you were on set, separate from the pictures you had to take for your set decoration work?

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 22, 2025

“Had you ‘artists’ had a part in the decoration of the Sistine Chapel, it would have ended up looking like a particularly vulgar train terminal,” Ignatius snorted.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole

Related Words

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