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
Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2025
Mulching a garden, whether ornamental or vegetable, will help cool the ground for plants and retain moisture in the soil longer.
—Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 26 June 2025
To maintain healthy ornamentals that bloom abundantly, avoid pruning these 10 plants in summer.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for ornamental
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Adjective
After more than two years of work, the new span over the DuPage River — with decorative limestone and iron features, ornamental lights and pedestrian walkways on both sides — replaces the one that had been there for nearly 100 years.
—Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2025
Mulching a garden, whether ornamental or vegetable, will help cool the ground for plants and retain moisture in the soil longer.
—Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025
Noun
Scales attack a variety of plants including woody ornamentals such as boxwoods, camellias and hollies, young trees such as maples, and houseplants.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 26 June 2025
To maintain healthy ornamentals that bloom abundantly, avoid pruning these 10 plants in summer.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 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 21 Jul. 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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