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

The mother-of-pearl embroidery that traced a black wrap dress was inspired by the decoration on Korean wedding chests. —Steff Yotka, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025

Lauren was planning a small birthday party for her soon-to-be 6-year-old, with the decorations ordered and the invitations sent out. —Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025

The sale — which runs 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday — includes art, jewelry, home decor, plants and holiday decorations. —Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2025

Conservators will continue to restore and fit together its broken murals, in an effort to see more of the villa’s rich decoration. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Apr. 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)