adornment

noun

adorn·​ment ə-ˈdȯrn-mənt How to pronounce adornment (audio)
1
: the action of adorning : the state of being adorned
2
: something that adorns

Examples of adornment in a Sentence

the adornment of the walls with her paintings Her room doesn't have any unnecessary adornments. The entrance to the building has little adornment.
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.
Hang baubles, handmade ornaments, or decoration next to poster board tags, then each morning, let someone hang a new adornment on the tree. Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Dec. 2024 The recurring sets see artists from across the spectrum commune at the desk of former NPR host and producer Bob Boilen, performing their music without adornment. Matthew Ismael Ruiz, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2024 Besides the birds being killed by collectors, millions of herons, egrets and other birds were being slaughtered for the fashion industry to provide adornments for women’s hats and other garments. Tim Gallagher, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Nov. 2024 One thing is for certain in all observing communities: The lively adornment of sacred spaces, including the home and one’s altar, is a big part of this celebration. Prinita Thevarajah, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for adornment 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English adornement, borrowed from Anglo-French aurnement, from aurner, adourner "to adorn" + -ment -ment

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near adornment

Cite this Entry

“Adornment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adornment. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

adornment

noun
adorn·​ment ə-ˈdȯrn-mənt How to pronounce adornment (audio)
1
: the action of adorning : the state of being adorned
2
: something that adorns

More from Merriam-Webster on adornment

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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