decoration

noun

dec·​o·​ra·​tion ˌde-kə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce decoration (audio)
Synonyms of decorationnext
1
: the act or process of decorating
2
: something that adorns, enriches, or beautifies : ornament
3
: a badge of honor (such as a U.S. military award)

Synonyms of decoration

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Examples of decoration in a Sentence

The vase has a fancy decoration on one side. a plain sweater knit without decoration He's a genius at home decoration. a unique style of decoration He received a decoration from the President.
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.
His decorations included the Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters and the Army Commendation Medal, the Air and Space Achievement Medal and the Army Achievement Medal, each with one oak leaf cluster. — Shayna Jacobs, NBC news, 18 Oct. 2026 Christmas decorations linger into summer, and grasses grow high through rusting cars. — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 Think tombstones, solid skeletons, signs or other decorations that hold their shape and don’t have loose or dangling parts. — Katie Koschalk, Scientific American, 16 Oct. 2026 If no one inside the company can explain how your data connects to an outcome that affects you, the privacy statement is decoration. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decoration

Word History

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of decoration was in 1585

Phrases Containing decoration

Rhymes for decoration

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Browse Nearby Words

decorated
decoration
Decoration Day
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Cite this Entry

“Decoration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decoration. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

decoration

noun
dec·​o·​ra·​tion ˌdek-ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce decoration (audio)
1
: the act or action of decorating
2
: something that decorates or beautifies : ornament
holiday decorations
3
: a badge of honor (as a medal, cross, or ribbon)
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