ornate

1 of 2

adjective

or·​nate ȯr-ˈnāt How to pronounce ornate (audio)
Synonyms of ornate
1
: marked by elaborate rhetoric (see rhetoric sense 2b) or florid (see florid sense 1a) style
He is clear and simple rather than ornate and pompous.—The Times Literary Supplement (London)
2
: elaborately or excessively decorated
an ornate mantle
an ornate townhouse
ornate chandeliers
ornately adverb
ornateness noun

ornateness

2 of 2

noun

or·​nate·​ness
plural -es
: the quality or state of being ornate

Synonyms of ornate

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Adjective

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Examples of ornate in a Sentence

Adjective She doesn't like ornate jewelry. an ornate gambling casino that is designed to look like an Italian palace
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.
Adjective
Grab this scalloped tote bag with an ornate design. — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026 The ornate accessory features scrollwork and clover motifs in silver and gold, set with diamonds that can be detached and worn as a brooch. — Marta Martínez Tato, Vanity Fair, 24 June 2026 The capital of Sicily offers ornate palaces, street food markets, and plenty to see and do before settling into a pre-dinner spritz. — Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 The 42-year-old actress accessorized with ornate emerald jewelry. — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ornate

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English ornat, from Latin ornatus, past participle of ornare to furnish, embellish; akin to Latin ordo order — more at order

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ornate was in the 15th century

Rhymes for ornate

See All Rhymes for ornate

Browse Nearby Words

ornary
ornate
ornate aphid
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Cite this Entry

“Ornate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ornate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ornate

adjective
or·​nate ȯr-ˈnāt How to pronounce ornate (audio)
: decorated in a fancy way
ornately adverb
ornateness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on ornate

Nglish: Translation of ornate for Spanish Speakers

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