embellishment

noun

em·​bel·​lish·​ment im-ˈbe-lish-mənt 

1

: the act or process of embellishing

2

: something serving to embellish

3

: ornament sense 5

Synonyms

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

Examples of embellishment in a Sentence

a colorful mobile is just the embellishment that the soon-to-be nursery needs

the actor's penchant for embellishment suggests that his memoirs would be more appropriately shelved in the fiction section

Recent Examples on the Web

Grande’s voluminous tulle gown featured puff sleeves, a corseted bodice and crystal embellishments. —Hannah Malach, WWD, 3 Nov. 2024

The outfit was topped off with a towering headpiece with ornate embellishments and makeup that included white face paint and red lipstick. —Michelle Lee, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024

The idea is how collectibles and crafts inspire embellishments, including charms, handcrafted appliques, travel badges and unique brooches. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 28 Oct. 2024

See: modern takes on corsetry, delicate embellishments, and dramatic overlays. —Victoria Montalti, refinery29.com, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1