What does "ornament" mean?
An element of decoration; that which embellishes or adorns.
Ornament
/ˈɔɹnəmənt/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An element of decoration; that which embellishes or adorns.
- Grammar: ornament is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: decoration, acciaccatura, add, adjoin.
- Useful contrasts: minimalist design, unembellished, unornamented design.
- Usage evidence: The royal navy of England hath ever been its greatest defense and ornament; it is its ancient and natural strength; the floating bulwark of our island.
How to use "ornament"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "ornament" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "ornament" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "ornament" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "ornament" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "ornament" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "decoration" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "ornament", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An element of decoration; that which embellishes or adorns. countable, uncountable
"Dust are our frames; and, gilded dust, our pride / Looks only for a moment whole and sound; / Like that long-buried body of the king / Found lying with his urns and ornaments, / Which at a touch of light, an air of heaven, / Slipt into ashes and was found no more."
- 2 something used to beautify wordnet
- 3 An element of decoration; that which embellishes or adorns.; Ellipsis of Christmas ornament; a Christmas tree decoration. abbreviation, alt-of, broadly, countable, ellipsis, uncountable
- 4 A musical flourish that is unnecessary to the overall melodic or harmonic line, but serves to decorate that line. countable, uncountable
- 5 The articles used in church services. countable, in-plural, uncountable
Show 1 more definition
- 6 A characteristic that has a decorative function (typically in order to attract a mate) countable, uncountable
Verb
- 1 To decorate.
"We will ornament the windows with trim to make the room seem brighter."
- 2 make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc. wordnet
- 3 To add to.
"The editor ornamented his plain writing, making it fancier but less clear."
- 4 be an ornament to wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"The royal navy of England hath ever been its greatest defense and ornament; it is its ancient and natural strength; the floating bulwark of our island."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "ornament"?
Common synonyms include: decoration, acciaccatura, add, adjoin, adjunct, adorn.
How do you use "ornament" in a sentence?
The royal navy of England hath ever been its greatest defense and ornament; it is its ancient and natural strength; the floating bulwark of our island.
How do you pronounce "ornament"?
Pronounced /ˈɔɹnəmənt/.
Etymology
From Middle English ornament, from Old French ornement, from Latin ornamentum (“equipment, apparatus, furniture, trappings, adornment, embellishment”), from ornāre (“to equip, adorn”). The verb is derived from the noun.