or·na·men·tal
ˌȯr-nə-ˈmen-tᵊl 
: of, relating to, or serving as ornament
specifically
: grown as an ornamental
: a decorative object
especially
: a plant cultivated for its beauty rather than for use
Synonyms
Examples of ornamental in a Sentence
Adjective
The garden has many ornamental shrubs.
the trim on Victorian houses is sometimes elaborately ornamental
Noun
The garden has many beautiful ornamentals.
a collection of fragile ornamentals kept in a glass cabinet
Recent Examples on the Web
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2024
Fall is ideal for dividing and planting perennials, such as hostas, daylilies and ornamental grasses, which benefit from root development during the cooler months.
—Tammy Sons, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Jennie Rothenberg Gritz, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Sep. 2024
However, with such a large group, almost any plant can be attacked, from houseplants to outdoor ornamentals.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ornamental 
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Adjective
However, North America has a lot of native vines that play an important role in the ecosystem, support pollinators, and have plenty of ornamental charm.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2024
Fall is ideal for dividing and planting perennials, such as hostas, daylilies and ornamental grasses, which benefit from root development during the cooler months.
—Tammy Sons, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
The three most common types of eucalyptus were brought there because people wanted them for either ornamentals or for timber trees.
—Jennie Rothenberg Gritz, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Sep. 2024
However, with such a large group, almost any plant can be attacked, from houseplants to outdoor ornamentals.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ornamental
Dictionary Entries Near ornamental
Cite this Entry
“Ornamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ornamental. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ornamental
1 of 2 adjective
or·na·men·tal
ˌȯr-nə-ˈment-ᵊl
: of, relating to, or serving as ornament
ornamental
2 of 2 noun
: a decorative object
especially
: a plant cultivated for its beauty rather than for use
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