decorative
adjective
dec·o·ra·tive
ˈde-k(ə-)rə-tiv 
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
The city is also still waiting to hear whether the state will allow Black Lives Matter crosswalks in South Dallas and other decorative road markings in Uptown to stay.
—
Everton Bailey Jr, Dallas Morning News, 2 Jan. 2026
Rather than relying on decorative excess, the library’s pietra serena framework underscores its role as a working scholarly space.
—Navya Verma, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Jan. 2026
Work on Sagrada Familia’s sculptures, decorative detailing and proposed main staircase will likely stretch into the 2030s.
—Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 1 Jan. 2026
All ornaments, garland, tree stands, lights and other decorative items must be removed for either the green bin or the drop-off sites and no plastic bags or trash will be accepted.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decorative
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.
Everton Bailey Jr, Dallas Morning News, 2 Jan. 2026
Rather than relying on decorative excess, the library’s pietra serena framework underscores its role as a working scholarly space.
—Navya Verma, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Jan. 2026
Work on Sagrada Familia’s sculptures, decorative detailing and proposed main staircase will likely stretch into the 2030s.
—Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 1 Jan. 2026
All ornaments, garland, tree stands, lights and other decorative items must be removed for either the green bin or the drop-off sites and no plastic bags or trash will be accepted.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decorative
Cite this Entry
“Decorative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decorative. Accessed 5 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
decorative
adjective
dec·o·ra·tive
ˈdek-(ə-)rət-iv
ˈdek-ə-ˌrāt-
: serving to decorate : ornamental
decoratively
adverb
decorativeness
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share