decoration

American  

[dek-uh-ray-shuhn] / ˌdɛk əˈreɪ ʃən /

noun

• decorations
  plural

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

Derived Forms

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

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• decorations
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of decoration

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

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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.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

decoration decorations

"Comparing the decoration techniques… we can definitely say our wreck is Early Bronze Age. This is 100%."

From BBC ● Oct. 14, 2026

The sequel is flat and digital, loaded with garish CGI and set decoration that often mistakes boho chic for cottagecore.

From Salon ● Sep. 14, 2026

Based on a first analysis of the painted decoration inside the tomb, we identified its main owner as a male official named Paser.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 10, 2026

Now, thanks to a joint install with a friend, the light fixture hangs in the laundry area between the bedroom and bathroom, occasionally catching a cross breeze but mostly serving as decoration.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026

I looked around her room, the only decoration in it a framed copy of the Lord’s Prayer.

From "When I Was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago

The use of money decorations has become more common in Ghana in recent years, with the practice also gaining a foothold in other African countries.

From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026

Some of the pieces carried decorations that looked strikingly similar to pottery found hundreds of miles farther north.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 6, 2026

For nearly 40 years, Culver City’s Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch has been a go-to destination for snaring those essential Halloween decorations all while exploring an artisanally crafted pumpkin village.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026

That farm grows pumpkins on 500 acres, mostly for decorations like jack-o’-lanterns.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 23, 2026

I see a few people out walking their dogs or talking to neighbors, and even one guy starting to put up his Christmas decorations.

From "Ask the Passengers" by A.S. King

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Related Words

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

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