ornate

1 of 2

adjective

or·​nate ȯr-ˈnāt How to pronounce ornate (audio)
Synonyms of ornate
1
: marked by elaborate rhetoric (see rhetoric entry 1 sense 2b) or florid (see florid sense 1a) style
He is clear and simple rather than ornate and pompous.—The Times Literary Supplement (London)
2
: elaborately or excessively decorated
an ornate mantle
an ornate townhouse
ornate chandeliers
ornately adverb
ornateness noun

ornateness

2 of 2

noun

or·​nate·​ness
plural -es
: the quality or state of being ornate

Synonyms of ornate

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Adjective

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Examples of ornate in a Sentence

Adjective She doesn't like ornate jewelry. an ornate gambling casino that is designed to look like an Italian palace
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
Hilton said, speaking to an audience of dozens of supporters seated beneath ornate, multi-tiered chandeliers. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026 Both dresses paired with ornate beaded headpieces, which are having something of a moment with stars lately. — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026 On arrival, we were escorted across a wooden bridge to the famous ornate jewel-laden golden door. — Kate Berlant, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026 Details like a dedicated water list, an ornate coffee and tea service, and a serious wine program make the evening feel complete. — Jacqueline Dole, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ornate

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English ornat, from Latin ornatus, past participle of ornare to furnish, embellish; akin to Latin ordo order — more at order

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ornate was in the 15th century

Rhymes for ornate

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Browse Nearby Words

ornary
ornate
ornate aphid
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Cite this Entry

“Ornate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ornate. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ornate

adjective
or·​nate ȯr-ˈnāt How to pronounce ornate (audio)
: decorated in a fancy way
ornately adverb
ornateness noun
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