ornament

The definition of an ornament is a decoration, or a person who adds luster to society, or the process of decorating.

(noun)

An example of an ornament is a star on a Christmas tree.
An example of an ornament is a young man who is determined as a hero and a good example to other young men in an organization.

Ornament is defined as to decorate or make beautiful.

(verb)

An example of ornament is to decorate a house for Easter.

See ornament in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

anything serving to adorn; decoration; embellishment; also, a desirable or needed adjunct
a person whose character or talent adds luster to the surroundings, society, etc.
an adorning or being adorned; ornamentation
mere external display
Music a tone or tones used to embellish a principal melodic tone

Origin: OFr ornement < L ornamentum < ornare, to adorn (akin to ordinare: see ordain)

transitive verb

to furnish with ornaments or be an ornament to; decorate; beautify

Related Forms:

See ornament in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Something that decorates or adorns; an embellishment.
A person considered as a source of pride, honor, or credit: a singer who is an ornament to the world of opera.
Music A note or group of notes that embellishes a melody.

transitive verb (-mĕntˌ) or·na·ment·ed, or·na·ment·ing, or·na·ments

To furnish with ornaments: ornamented the windows with hanging plants.
To be an ornament to: “The babies ornament her ankles, dangle from her pant legs” (Carolyn Chute).

Origin:

Origin: Middle English ournement

Origin: , from Old French ornement

Origin: , from Latin ōrnāmentum

Origin: , from ōrnāre, to adorn; see ar- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: