decoration

noun

dec·​o·​ra·​tion ˌde-kə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the act or process of decorating

2

: something that adorns, enriches, or beautifies : ornament

3

: a badge of honor (such as a U.S. military award)

Synonyms

• adornment
• beautifier
• caparison
• doodad
• embellisher
• embellishment
• frill
• garnish
• garnishment
• garniture
• ornament
• ornamentation
• setoff
• trim

Examples of decoration in a Sentence

The vase has a fancy decoration on one side.

a plain sweater knit without decoration

He's a genius at home decoration.

a unique style of decoration

He received a decoration from the President.

Recent Examples on the Web

Today, ancient Greco-Roman statues housed in museums are typically stark white and devoid of decoration. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Mar. 2025

These included dress shopping, venue hunting, and the preparing of DIY decorations. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025

Helene roared through the building’s lower level, carrying off freezers, the walk-in cooler, thousands of dollars worth of Christmas decorations, and even the walls. —Hanna Raskin, Southern Living, 20 Mar. 2025

Basketball string lights: $15.99 A great reusable decoration is a set of basketball string lights. —Christopher Murray, Fox News, 13 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing decoration

• for decoration
• interior decoration

Rhymes for decoration

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

decoration

noun

dec·​o·​ra·​tion ˌdek-ə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the act or action of decorating

2

: something that decorates or beautifies : ornament

holiday decorations

3

: a badge of honor (as a medal, cross, or ribbon)