ornamentation
Americannoun
-
the act of ornamenting.
-
the state of being ornamented.
-
something with which a thing is ornamented; embellishment.
-
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
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!
Oscar de la Renta (1932-2014) Tribute List
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!
Vocabulary from Readings 1, Unit 2
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.
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
A lack of ornamentation turns every place into no place at all, blending together experiences and venues in the same manner as the internet’s endless feed.
From Salon • Aug. 23, 2025
The 18th Century painting below features typical stylistic elements of Mughal art, including highly stylised figures, vibrant colours, naturalism and ornamentation.
From BBC • Dec. 24, 2024
His special distinction as a speaker was not to deliver the full- bore, self-consciously Greco-Roman ornamentation of his predecessors.
From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith
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.
