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

They would be used eventually, but not for long. 1980s recession leaves downtown in the dark In 1982, with the recession rocking Milwaukee, the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce announced that the street decorations were being tossed out and not replaced. —Chris Foran, Journal Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2025

The performances are haunting, the set decoration pristine, and the tension ever-intensifying. —Radhika Seth, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2025

The birthday decorations are still up from Brielle Beyer’s 12th birthday sleepover. —Wendy Grossman Kantor, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025

The Black Chamber received a monetary bonus, while Yardley was awarded the Army’s highest noncombat decoration, the Distinguished Service Medal. —Peter Zablocki, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing decoration

• for decoration
• interior decoration

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)