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.
"There was really no better choice to describe this setting: right there on the beach, right there in the port of Rimini, where through the ornamentation we also almost echoed the portholes of the boats."
From Barron's ● Aug. 22, 2026
Originally designed to evoke a classic Greek column, the structure's limestone, brick and terra-cotta exterior features ornamentation including lion heads, wreaths, eagles, and faces.
From BBC ● Jul. 26, 2026
“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
Gilded fixtures, trim and ornamentation — rumored to be from Home Depot — mar the walls.
From Salon ● Jan. 4, 2026
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
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
