DictionarydingbatDecorative character
noun

dingbat

A decorative symbol used in printed text.

A small dingbat separates the two sections on the page.

Etymology

Dingbat was used informally for an unspecified object or gadget, with an uncertain deeper origin. Printers applied it to the small ornamental symbols used alongside ordinary type.

More examples

  • The invitation has a floral dingbat above the date.
  • Choose a dingbat from the font's collection of decorative symbols.
  • A row of dingbats decorates the bottom of the menu.

Forms

dingbat · dingbats

Similar words

ornament
Ornament includes decorative elements beyond individual printed characters.
glyph
Glyph is any rendered character, not necessarily a decoration.