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

Despite being harvested until December, for many, Halloween will mark the end of pumpkin season with the decorations unceremoniously binned.

From Salon

But considering that this was a dupe, I wasn’t really bothered by the lack of decorations.

From Salon

Holiday decorations and seasonal produce meant “the way the market gets dressed” changed dramatically over the course of a year, and many of the items sold were previously owned.

From New York Times

“Lempicka has been considered and diminished to a phenomenon pertaining to the Art Deco period, a phenomenon of decoration, of fashion, rather than a great painter and a fantastic draftsperson,” Rinaldi said.

From New York Times

Guests were met with a small bouncy castle, cheap-looking decorations and backdrops scattered throughout what one attendee described was an “abandoned, empty warehouse.”

From Salon

Related Words

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