Ornament
n.joyful, thoughtfuleveryday
What it means
Something that adds beauty or distinction.
Reach for it when naming an object or detail added chiefly for beauty or distinction
A carved bird served as the simple ornament above the doorway.
Choose between these
6- playful
bauble
a small showy object is meant
not when Bauble can belittle value or craftsmanship.
- everyday
decoration
the broad familiar category is enough
not when Decoration can include an entire scheme.
- professional
embellishment
an added detail enriches a base design
not when Embellishment can imply unnecessary exaggeration.
- professional
finial
a crowning architectural detail is precise
not when A finial is only one type of ornament.
- formal
something enhances appearance, often when worn
not when Adornment is more elevated and personal.
- literary
grace note
a small finishing touch adds charm
not when The musical metaphor is figurative.
Said against
3- blemish
- eyesore
- plainness
It naturally appears in
3- carved ornament
A carved ornament of a wren sat above the doorway.
- garden ornament
The repaired sundial remained the garden ornament nearest the gate.
- simple ornament
One simple ornament gave the invitation a festive finish.
Where this comes from
Ornament can also mean a person considered to bring distinction; that dated usage can objectify the person.
- wiktionary, English noun, decorative object or embellishment sense opens in a new tab · retrieved 2026-07-27
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.