adorn

[ uh-dawrn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to decorate or add beauty to, as by ornaments:

   garlands of flowers adorning their hair.

   Synonyms: array, bedizen, bedeck, deck, beautify

2. to make more pleasing, attractive, impressive, etc.; enhance:

   Piety adorned Abigail's character.

adorn

/ əˈdɔːn /

verb

1. to decorate

   she adorned her hair with flowers

2. to increase the beauty, distinction, etc, of

Derived Forms

• aˈdornment, noun

Other Words From

• a·dorn·er noun
• a·dorn·ing·ly adverb
• non·a·dorn·er noun
• non·a·dorn·ing adjective
• o·ver·a·dorn verb (used with object)
• pre·a·dorn verb (used with object)
• re·a·dorn verb (used with object)
• re·a·dorn·ing adjective
• self-a·dorn·ing adjective
• su·per·a·dorn verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of adorn¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English adornen, from Latin adōrnāre, equivalent to ad- ad- + ōrnāre “to dress” ( ornate ); replacing late Middle English aourne, from Middle French, from Latin

Word History and Origins

Origin of adorn¹

C14: via Old French from Latin adōrnāre, from ōrnāre to furnish, prepare

Example Sentences

All of which adorns what is, at the center, a parable about parenting — how it changes the parent, how the parent must learn to let go.

From Los Angeles Times

Handwoven baskets are adorned with fringe made from strips cut from multicolor T-shirts, and patchwork hoodies feature the brand’s signature triangle motif.

From Los Angeles Times

“I think it will take some time to sink in,” she says, from his newly adorned graveside.

From BBC

Giant, golden Dobermann dog sculptures adorn the lobby and every floor outside the lifts.

From BBC

Elsewhere, buildings were lit up in red and adorned with poppies as a mark of respect before the traditional two minutes of silence at 11:00.

From BBC

Related Words

• beautify
• bedeck
• deck
• dress up
• embellish
• grace
• spruce up
• trim