Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense adorns, present participle adorning, past tense, past participle adorned
verb
If something adorns a place or an object, it makes it look more beautiful.
His watercolour designs adorn a wide range of books. [VERB noun]
Several magnificent oil paintings adorn the walls. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: decorate, enhance, deck, trim More Synonyms of adorn
adorn in British English
(əˈdɔːn)
verb(transitive)
1.
to decorate
she adorned her hair with flowers
2.
to increase the beauty, distinction, etc, of
Derived forms
adornment (aˈdornment)
noun
Word origin
C14: via Old French from Latin adōrnāre, from ōrnāre to furnish, prepare
adorn in American English
(əˈdɔrn)
verb transitive
1.
to be an ornament to; add beauty, splendor, or distinction to
2.
to put decorations on; ornament
SYNONYMY NOTE: adorn is used of that which adds to the beauty of something by gracing it with its ownbeauty [roses adorned her hair]; decorate implies the addition of something to render attractive what would otherwise be plainor bare [to decorate a wall with pictures]; ornament is used with reference to accessories which enhance the appearance [a crown ornamented with jewels]; embellish suggests the addition of something highly ornamental or ostentatious for effect;to , beautify is to lend beauty to, or heighten the beauty of; , bedeck emphasizes the addition of showy things [bedecked with jewelry]
Word origin
ME adornen (altered after L) < OFr aourner < L adornare < ad-, to + ornare, to fit out: see ornament
Examples of 'adorn' in a sentence
adorn
Striking art adorns the walls and tropical plants are dotted here and there.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
His image adorns book covers the world over.
The Sun (2013)
The prayers and cards adorning your wall speak loudly now.
Christianity Today (2000)
Oil paintings in gold frames adorn the walls.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
It was a beautiful racecourse with flower beds adorning the parade ring.
The Sun (2014)
The battle relief had adorned the inside walls of an open courtyard on either side of a central doorway.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The picture adorns at least two book covers and launched a racing campaign to make the jockey a wider hero.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Pieces borrowed from the gallery and from their personal collection adorn the walls and floors of the new and old spaces.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
His portrait still adorns the residence.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
In his homeland, his pictures adorn town halls and school corridors.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Retro chairs and sofas fill the main lounge, and modern art adorns the walls.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
It ended with bodies of soldiers littered in front of us, adorned with vivid flowers.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
A rebel flag adorned one wall of the square.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
A planted holly shrub and wilted pink daisies now adorn the area.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Pictures and posters adorn the walls and soft toys remain nestled on pristine beds, as if their owners might return at any moment.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
His home was adorned with pictures of him engaging generations of US presidents.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
They had lunch at the Hotel Imperial where old photos of that era still adorn the walls.
The Sun (2011)
We were getting chased by the police for this, now it's adorning galleries.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Hundreds of Greek names now adorn the church's back façade.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
For the next few days the house will be adorned with flower arrangements depicting the Grand Tour.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Brands once regarded as quintessentially British now adorn the backs, arms and feet of shoppers around the world.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
His posters and album covers adorned the walls of thousands of hippy crash pads, squats and teenage bedrooms in the 1960s.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
A huge banner proclaiming'People demand the removal of the regime' still adorned the square.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
In other languages
adorn
British English: adorn VERB
If something adorns a place or an object, it makes it look more beautiful.
His watercolour designs adorn a wide range of books.