ornate

1 of 2

adjective

or·​nate ȯr-ˈnāt How to pronounce ornate (audio)
Synonyms of ornate
1
: marked by elaborate rhetoric (see rhetoric entry 1 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
That afternoon, the president, inside the exposition’s ornate Temple of Music, greeted members of the public, shaking hands and warmly inviting them to explore the fair. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026 Marrow Deep at times feels turbulent, ornate, measured, chaotic, and cathartic. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026 Its ornate yet symmetrical design features pretty boxes with intricate floral and geometric prints. — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 2026 Instead of the ornate porcelain and cloisonné enameling often associated with imperial vases, this one is made of blown glass. — Stephy Chung, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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