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

"The fence of some of the apartments backs onto the school and years ago some of the ladies put small decorations and windmills along their gardens for the children to look at," she said.

From BBC

They added adorable decorations to the foyer, including reindeer heading toward the light fixture.

From MarketWatch

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

And while she does not have a Christmas tree of her own, she likes to see her neighbours' decorations.

From BBC

In the Old City, home to a small but vibrant Christian community and several important churches, red baubles hang from some trees, shopkeepers have put up Christmas decorations and street vendors peddle warm chestnuts.

From Barron's

Related Words

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