ornamentation
Americannoun
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the act of ornamenting.
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the state of being ornamented.
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something with which a thing is ornamented; embellishment.
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ornaments collectively.
Etymology
Origin of ornamentation
First recorded in 1850–1855
Explanation
Ornamentation can refer to materials or features used for decoration. The ornamentation in a fancy mansion might include crystal chandeliers, silk curtains, and thick carpets. In addition to referring to materials for decoration, ornamentation can also mean the act of decorating or the state of being decorated. If your friend is constantly redecorating her room in extravagant ways, she probably enjoys the process of ornamentation. A heavily decorated house is in a state of ornamentation. However it’s used, ornamentation involves making things look prettier — or at least more elaborate. A single object used for ornamentation can be called an ornament.
Vocabulary lists containing ornamentation
Vocabulary from Readings 3, Unit 1
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Oscar de la Renta (1932-2014) Tribute List
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Vocabulary from Readings 1, Unit 2
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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 gives me confidence as a shareholder that they’re less worried about ornamentation and vanity versus growing their business.”
From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026
Some were drawn in a realistic style, while others were more abstract, but all showed intentional design rather than random ornamentation.
From Science Daily • Dec. 16, 2025
One thing it clarifies is why Jim Crow monuments are all rendered in the same backward, Beaux-Arts style, exploiting classical forms and elaborate ornamentation harnessed for the 1890s City Beautiful movement.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 22, 2025
I, on the other hand, know the way to my Valentine’s heart — and it does not include ornamentation, flash or anything that involves him having to put on socks and nice shoes.
From Salon • Feb. 13, 2025
Sansa had never seen such armor; all burnished red steel, inlaid with golden scrollwork and ornamentation.
From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin
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.
