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

In the script, Auburn offers a blank canvas — no instructions for set decoration. —Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2025

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration in the U.S. for valor on the battlefield. —Julie Depenbrock, NPR, 31 Mar. 2025

Each of the five watches will be delivered in a bespoke Louis Vuitton travel trunk, hand-painted with a design that mirrors the decoration on the dial. —Carol Besler, Forbes, 26 Mar. 2025

But instead of spending on decorations that will be outdated soon, try to invest in timeless, high-quality home essentials and switch things up with small, inexpensive accents like candles or flowers. —Bernadette Joy, Contributor, CNBC, 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)