decoration

[dek-uh-rey-shuhn]

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.

decoration

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of decoration¹

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

Example Sentences

Her flat was decorated with red, white and blue American flags and plastic 4 July Independence Day decorations.

From BBC

Items like themed tableware, paper goods and decorations will also be available.

From Los Angeles Times

The shops bring in about £120,000 a year for a Common Good fund, administered by Inverclyde Council and mostly used to finance Christmas decorations or the annual Gourock Highland Games.

From BBC

Expensive furniture has been broken or thrown out of the window, fancy decorations ripped out, every page of a Quran torn, and it stinks of rotten leftover food.

From BBC

The grass and flowers are used as decoration for the ceremonies during which the beans are roasted over an open fire, ground and then brewed in a clay pot.

From BBC

Related Words

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