adornment

noun

adorn·​ment ə-ˈdȯrn-mənt How to pronounce adornment (audio)
Synonyms of adornmentnext
1
: the action of adorning : the state of being adorned
2
: something that adorns

Synonyms of adornment

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Examples of adornment in a Sentence

the adornment of the walls with her paintings Her room doesn't have any unnecessary adornments. The entrance to the building has little adornment.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The adornments will include traditional dress, crafts, pottery, baskets, blankets, posters or anything the decorators choose to show off about their heritage. — Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 The look was completed with custom boots with a slouchy shaft and buckle adornments from vegan Korean accessories brand Stand Oil. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 29 July 2026 The Fantastic Four star slipped into a brown string bikini with a gold sun adornment on the strapless top for their romantic beach day. — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026 When Christmas rolls around, her home can be found overflowing with cheerful Hobby Lobby finds, from red and green adornments to unique, oversized jingle bells. — Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for adornment

Word History

Etymology

Middle English adornement, borrowed from Anglo-French aurnement, from aurner, adourner "to adorn" + -ment -ment

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of adornment was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

adorn
adornment
Adorno
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Cite this Entry

“Adornment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adornment. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

adornment

noun
adorn·​ment ə-ˈdȯrn-mənt How to pronounce adornment (audio)
1
: the action of adorning : the state of being adorned
2
: something that adorns

More from Merriam-Webster on adornment

Nglish: Translation of adornment for Spanish Speakers

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