adornment

noun

adorn·​ment ə-ˈdȯrn-mənt How to pronounce adornment (audio)
1
: the action of adorning : the state of being adorned
2
: something that adorns

Examples of adornment in a Sentence

the adornment of the walls with her paintings Her room doesn't have any unnecessary adornments. The entrance to the building has little adornment.
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.
One thing is for certain in all observing communities: The lively adornment of sacred spaces, including the home and one’s altar, is a big part of this celebration. Prinita Thevarajah, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024 Fabricated in 18-karat gold designs that evoke the splendors of Asian and Indian jewels as well as European adornments of old, this brand is alive with a large array of notably fine gemstones including diamonds, colored sapphires, pearls and tourmalines. Kyle Roderick, Forbes, 6 Oct. 2024 But bold and bright adornments aren't only layered over neutral outfits, they're added to bold and bright outfits, too. Angela Law, refinery29.com, 17 May 2024 In keeping with Protestant beliefs that reject excessive adornment, the church was stripped of many of its statues and other decorative elements, but the stained glass windows remain. Tracey Teo, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for adornment 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English adornement, borrowed from Anglo-French aurnement, from aurner, adourner "to adorn" + -ment -ment

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near adornment

Cite this Entry

“Adornment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adornment. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

adornment

noun
adorn·​ment ə-ˈdȯrn-mənt How to pronounce adornment (audio)
1
: the action of adorning : the state of being adorned
2
: something that adorns

More from Merriam-Webster on adornment

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!