decoration

[ dek-uh-rey-shuhn ]

noun

1. something used for decorating; adornment; embellishment:

   The gymnasium was adorned with posters and crepe-paper decorations for the dance.

2. the act of decorating.
3. interior decoration.
4. a badge, medal, etc., conferred and worn as a mark of honor:

   a decoration for bravery.

decoration

/ ˌdɛkəˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. an addition that renders something more attractive or ornate; adornment
2. the act, process, or art of decorating
3. a medal, badge, etc, conferred as a mark of honour

Other Words From

• nondec·o·ration noun
• over·deco·ration noun
• redec·o·ration noun
• super·deco·ration noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of decoration¹

First recorded in 1575–85; from Late Latin decorātiōn- (stem of decorātiō ) “an ornament”; decorate, -ion

Example Sentences

Essentially the state is hoping that current uniforms and stadium decorations will be retired in the coming years.

From FiveThirtyEight

Participants are encouraged to use their creativity to display their pride with lively banners, flags, costumes, and decorations!

From Washington Blade

This cotton rope woven hamper can double as pure home decoration.

From Popular-Science

By contrast, the foxes, snakes, and scorpions of Göbekli Tepe are reduced to smaller attributes or decorations on those huge anthropomorphic pillars.

From Nautilus

Their uniform was comprised of a specific color, form, and had specific decorations that showcased their master’s coat of arms or initials.

From Realm of History

Brooklyn is brick walls, little shops and industrial decoration.

From The Daily Beast

The practice reached its peak in the Victorian Era, when naturalism became all the rage for museums and even household decoration.

From The Daily Beast

"I was searching for something suburban—some low form of decoration that could be transformed," she said.

From The Daily Beast

But they were once used for so much more than just decoration.

From The Daily Beast

The only wall decoration was a large photograph of Yasser Arafat, no stranger to turmoil in Lebanon.

From The Daily Beast

I had no idea who they were, as the Grand Duke was in morning costume, and had no star or decoration to distinguish him.

From Project Gutenberg

I wanted very much to get this brave fellow a decoration but we were never able to trace him.

From Project Gutenberg

The house would please her she would enjoy messing about with the decoration, she was very artistic!

From Project Gutenberg

In 1840, to please Mme. Colleville, her friend, she tried to obtain a decoration for Thuillier.

From Project Gutenberg

These are very elaborately moulded, the outer sides being ornamented with chevron decoration.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• color
• design
• finery
• ornament
• plaque
• ribbon
• trinket
• wreath