ornamental

1 of 2

adjective

or·​na·​men·​tal ˌȯr-nə-ˈmen-tᵊl How to pronounce ornamental (audio)
Synonyms of ornamental
: of, relating to, or serving as ornament
specifically : grown as an ornamental
ornamentally
ˌȯr-nə-ˈmen-tᵊl-ē How to pronounce ornamental (audio)
adverb

ornamental

2 of 2

noun

: a decorative object
especially : a plant cultivated for its beauty rather than for use

Synonyms of ornamental

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Adjective

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of ornamental in a Sentence

Adjective The garden has many ornamental shrubs. the trim on Victorian houses is sometimes elaborately ornamental Noun The garden has many beautiful ornamentals. a collection of fragile ornamentals kept in a glass cabinet
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
Soft pastel tones and ornamental grasses can add an air of French drama and elegance. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 26 Aug. 2026 Students can explore pathways in agricultural business, agricultural science, animal science, forestry and natural resources, ornamental horticulture, plant and soil science, agricultural technologies and advancements, and agricultural mechanics. — Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
Select a fungicide labeled for leaf spots on ornamentals and follow the label. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026 Native species tend to establish faster and handle local climate stress better than ornamentals imported from other regions. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ornamental

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1595, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1650, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ornamental was in 1595

Rhymes for ornamental

See All Rhymes for ornamental

Browse Nearby Words

ornament
ornamental
ornamentalism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ornamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ornamental. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ornamental

1 of 2 adjective
or·​na·​men·​tal ˌȯr-nə-ˈment-ᵊl How to pronounce ornamental (audio)
: of, relating to, or serving as ornament
ornamentally
-ᵊl-ē How to pronounce ornamental (audio)
adverb

ornamental

2 of 2 noun
: a decorative object
especially : a plant cultivated for its beauty rather than for use

More from Merriam-Webster on ornamental

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ornamental

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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