decoration
Americannoun
-
something used for decorating; adornment; embellishment.
The gymnasium was adorned with posters and crepe-paper decorations for the dance.
-
the act of decorating.
-
a badge, medal, etc., conferred and worn as a mark of honor.
a decoration for bravery.
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
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of decoration
First recorded in 1575–85; from Late Latin decorātiōn- (stem of decorātiō ) “an ornament”; see decorate, -ion
Explanation
A decoration is anything used to make something more attractive or festive. If you’re having a Valentine’s Day party, drape your house in red and pink decorations. Decoration is also a type of honor, like a soldier's medal or stripe. To decorate is to spiff something up, making it more colorful and attractive, like hanging streamers in a room or ornaments on a tree. Decorations are things used in this way. Many decorations are specific to holidays, like green decorations for St. Patrick's Day. Also, decorations are the honors given to people who have won or achieved something. A war hero's Purple Heart medal is a decoration. You can say that someone who has many of these honors is decorated.
Vocabulary lists containing decoration
Memorial Day Words
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Familiar Places"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for February 12–February 18, 2022
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“It’s a decoration, because your system has to now fight the sugar while it’s trying to digest it.”
From MarketWatch • May 10, 2026
These exchanges appear to have encouraged cultural growth, more complex social behavior, and innovations such as formal burials and the symbolic use of ochre for decoration.
From Science Daily • Apr. 12, 2026
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
In 1985 she was awarded the Legion d’Honneur, France’s highest civilian decoration, but refused to collect it until President François Mitterrand agreed to close the royal hunting grounds.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 28, 2025
By all rights, the arena of exterior decoration belonged to William Pretyman, the fair’s official director of color.
From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
