ornamental

1 of 2

adjective

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

ornamental

2 of 2

noun

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

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
The plant’s resilience, pleasant aroma, and evergreen ornamental value are appealing to home gardeners and landscape architects alike. Nina Foster, JSTOR Daily, 20 Dec. 2024 For most ornamental plants, the zone classification of each plant represents a general consensus based on decades of growing experience. Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
Noun
Otherwise, use of a fungicide labeled for rust control on ornamentals would be helpful. Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025 Plant a productive space that attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators and includes edible plants as well as ornamentals. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Feb. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Ornamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ornamental. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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 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

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