or·na·men·tal
ˌȯr-nə-ˈmen-tᵊl 
: of, relating to, or serving as ornament
specifically
: grown as an ornamental
: 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
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
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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Ornamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ornamental. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ornamental
1 of 2 adjective
or·na·men·tal
ˌȯr-nə-ˈment-ᵊl
: of, relating to, or serving as ornament
ornamental
2 of 2 noun
: a decorative object
especially
: a plant cultivated for its beauty rather than for use
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