ornamentation

noun

or·​na·​men·​ta·​tion ˌȯr-nə-mən-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce ornamentation (audio)
-ˌmen-
Synonyms of ornamentationnext
1
: something that ornaments : embellishment
2
: the act or process of ornamenting : the state of being ornamented

Synonyms of ornamentation

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Examples of ornamentation in a Sentence

A bright ribbon was used for ornamentation. a ballroom with elaborate ornamentation
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The pop-up will display 20 pieces designed by Musa, as well as art depicting the dental ornamentation. — Madeline Montgomery, CBS News, 19 June 2026 Elk and bear tooth pendants were also common items of ornamentation, and important community members were buried with those adornments. — Literary Hub, 10 June 2026 The rear fenders are muscular without being bulky, and the tail has a clean, modern appearance that avoids excessive ornamentation. — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Lupo believes his business is one the few compo-ornamentation outfits still operating in the United States. — Anne Kadet, Curbed, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ornamentation

Word History

First Known Use

1706, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ornamentation was in 1706

Rhymes for ornamentation

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Browse Nearby Words

ornamentalist
ornamentation
ornamenter
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Cite this Entry

“Ornamentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ornamentation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ornamentation

Nglish: Translation of ornamentation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ornamentation

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