decorative

[dek-er-uh-tiv, dek-ruh-, dek-uh-rey-]

adjective

1. serving or tending to decorate.

2. Fine Arts.,  serving only to decorate, in contrast to providing a meaningful experience.

decorative

/ ˈdɛkrətɪv, ˈdɛkərətɪv /

adjective

1. serving to decorate or adorn; ornamental

Other Word Forms

• decoratively adverb
• decorativeness noun
• nondecorative adjective
• overdecorative adjective
• overdecoratively adverb
• overdecorativeness noun
• undecorative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of decorative¹

First recorded in 1785–95; decorate + -ive

Example Sentences

Speaking to Brides.com, Benjamin Khordipour of Estate Diamond Jewelry said the ring was “a throwback to the Victorian Era, with the beautiful, delicate and decorative gold work.”

From Salon

Shells are bought and sold as decorative objects, but every empty shell was once a living animal.

From BBC

Cities have also reduced water use by offering cash rebates to customers who remove thirsty lawns, and by targeting the elimination of purely decorative grass.

From Los Angeles Times

For the coronation itself, alongside the Rolls-Royce, the Bahraini king gave Charles a decorative clock.

From BBC

George G. Green built for his daughter in 1912, was full of intact original details, like decorative tiles in the faculty bathroom, bronze sconces in the hallways and an old intercom system.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fancy 
• ornamental