decoration
Americannoun
-
something used for decorating; adornment; embellishment.
The gymnasium was adorned with posters and crepe-paper decorations for the dance.
-
the act of decorating.
-
a badge, medal, etc., conferred and worn as a mark of honor.
a decoration for bravery.
noun
-
an addition that renders something more attractive or ornate; adornment
-
the act, process, or art of decorating
-
a medal, badge, etc, conferred as a mark of honour
Other Word Forms
- nondecoration noun
- overdecoration noun
- redecoration noun
- superdecoration noun
Etymology
Origin of decoration
First recorded in 1575–85; from Late Latin decorātiōn- (stem of decorātiō ) “an ornament”; see decorate, -ion
Explanation
A decoration is anything used to make something more attractive or festive. If you’re having a Valentine’s Day party, drape your house in red and pink decorations. Decoration is also a type of honor, like a soldier's medal or stripe. To decorate is to spiff something up, making it more colorful and attractive, like hanging streamers in a room or ornaments on a tree. Decorations are things used in this way. Many decorations are specific to holidays, like green decorations for St. Patrick's Day. Also, decorations are the honors given to people who have won or achieved something. A war hero's Purple Heart medal is a decoration. You can say that someone who has many of these honors is decorated.
Vocabulary lists containing decoration
Memorial Day Words
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Familiar Places"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for February 12–February 18, 2022
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
They’re an everyday kitchen staple, a decoration drying outside homes, and a tool to ward off bad spirits and illness.
From Salon • Jan. 15, 2026
Down the steps stands an oversize candle—what otherwise would have been a cheerful decoration now an earnest memorial.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025
Instead, the authors suggest the emphasis on flowers may relate to their association with positive emotional responses, making them especially appealing subjects for decoration.
From Science Daily • Dec. 16, 2025
How you decorate the tree itself is also a matter of personal preference - some put on every decoration they can find, whereas for others it's a more refined exercise.
From BBC • Dec. 1, 2025
We had some blocks that were cubes, and a few triangles for decoration, but mostly it was this kind.
From "The Rock and the River" by Kekla Magoon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
