ornate
adjective
or·nate
ȯr-ˈnÄt 
1
: marked by elaborate rhetoric (see rhetoric sense 2b) or florid (see florid sense 1a) style
He is clear and simple rather than ornate and pompous.—
The Times Literary Supplement (London)
The Times Literary Supplement (London)2
: elaborately or excessively decorated
an ornate mantle
an ornate townhouse
ornate chandeliers
ornately
adverb
ornateness
noun
Synonyms of ornate
Examples of ornate in a Sentence
She doesn't like ornate jewelry.
an ornate gambling casino that is designed to look like an Italian palace
Recent Examples on the Web
Unexpected graphics Historic buildings in Milan, with their ornate, decorative surfaces, also inspired much of the decor in this apartment.
—Ludovica Stevan, Architectural Digest, 22 Mar. 2026
The ryokan-style resort blends imperial heritage—think ornate Meiji-era latticework, intimate courtyards, and meticulous Zen gardens—with sleek, soothing contemporary design.
—Kelsey Eisen, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2026
For a long time, the property gleamed in the daylight with its white, ornate facade against lush green landscaping and often at night, as well, with twinkling holiday lights attached to almost every surface.
—Heather McRea, Oc Register, 18 Mar. 2026
The result was a gorgeously ornate solid-body guitar, featuring the titular animal under the bridge in mother-of-pearl.
—Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ornate
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Ludovica Stevan, Architectural Digest, 22 Mar. 2026
The ryokan-style resort blends imperial heritage—think ornate Meiji-era latticework, intimate courtyards, and meticulous Zen gardens—with sleek, soothing contemporary design.
—Kelsey Eisen, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2026
For a long time, the property gleamed in the daylight with its white, ornate facade against lush green landscaping and often at night, as well, with twinkling holiday lights attached to almost every surface.
—Heather McRea, Oc Register, 18 Mar. 2026
The result was a gorgeously ornate solid-body guitar, featuring the titular animal under the bridge in mother-of-pearl.
—Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ornate
Cite this Entry
“Ornate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ornate. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
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