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.
Its over-the-top holiday decorations and live music will continue. — Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026 But the company shifted to late August in 2018, further feeding the seasonal retail creep that sees Halloween decorations in stores in August and Christmas decorations soon after Halloween. — Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026 For some families, choosing the less expensive school can free up money for everything from dorm decorations to savings. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026 The elaborate decorations could support that hypothesis, officials said. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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