decorative

adjective

dec·​o·​ra·​tive ˈde-k(ə-)rə-tiv How to pronounce decorative (audio)
ˈde-kə-ˌrā-
: serving to decorate
especially : purely ornamental
decoratively adverb
decorativeness noun

Examples of decorative in a Sentence

We added some decorative details to the room. The handles are decorative and practical.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Intentional blank spaces around art and decorative objects gives your eyes place to rest. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 June 2025 The internal shelf is perfect for stashing everyday essentials while a few external shelves give you the option to display a few decorative items according to your style. Belle Duchene, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2025 Hundreds of unneeded hallway lockers hide behind decorative paper and student posters of Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and former first lady Michelle Obama, whose father attended in the 1950s. Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 13 June 2025 Lissoni, known for his grand projects around the world including the Dorothea hotel complex in Budapest, and the Hotel Aka in New York City and Alexandria, Va., told WWD his aim was to create a pure atmosphere, removing decorative elements inside the space. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for decorative

Word History

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of decorative was in 1791

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Cite this Entry

“Decorative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decorative. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

decorative

adjective
dec·​o·​ra·​tive ˈdek-(ə-)rət-iv How to pronounce decorative (audio)
ˈdek-ə-ˌrāt-
: serving to decorate : ornamental
decoratively adverb
decorativeness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on decorative

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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