cosmetic

1 of 2

adjective

cos·​met·​ic käz-ˈme-tik How to pronounce cosmetic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or making for beauty especially of the complexion : beautifying
cosmetic salves
2
: done or made for the sake of appearance: such as
a
: correcting defects especially of the face
cosmetic surgery
c
: not substantive : superficial
cosmetic changes
3
: visually appealing
cosmetically adverb

cosmetic

2 of 2

noun

: something that is cosmetic: such as
a
: a cosmetic preparation for external use
b
cosmetics plural : superficial features
a poem without rhetorical cosmeticsGuy Davenport

Examples of cosmetic in a Sentence

Adjective Almond oil is sometimes used in cosmetic products. medical procedures that are done for cosmetic purposes The changes were purely cosmetic. Noun Use a cosmetic to hide the scar.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Now, a lawsuit filed Monday in Miami-Dade County court points out that Sampson shouldn’t have been cutting on anyone at the cosmetic center. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2024 After a week of meetings — where lawmakers (nominally) debate the policies and (more often) praise the top leadership — the work report is passed, usually with only cosmetic changes. Christian Shepherd, Washington Post, 4 Mar. 2024 In 2021, Azalea opened up to PEOPLE about the juggling act of being a mother, entertainer and now, running her own cosmetic line, Totally Plastic. Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024 The influential interior designer loved chunky accessories, jazz, work and seized every opportunity that came her way, from prestigious art exhibitions to magazine covers, a cosmetic line, a documentary, a modeling contract and a Barbie doll made in her image. Hilary Whiteman, CNN, 1 Mar. 2024 Some joked Kate could be recovering from a cosmetic procedure known as a BBL, where fat is transferred from the stomach and thighs to the buttocks. Kaetlyn Liddy, NBC News, 29 Feb. 2024 And there's a lot to unpack with this creative cosmetic moment, like glossy lips, intensely rosy cheeks, graphic liner, and false lashes with a bold balance. Marci Robin, Allure, 28 Feb. 2024 The set comes with six packing cubes of various sizes for organizing your clothing, along with a cosmetic kit, pouch to hold chargers and small electronics, waterproof shoe bag, and small laundry bag. Lauren Fischer, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2024 In most cars and trucks, body panel alignments are a purely cosmetic concern. Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNN, 23 Feb. 2024
Noun
This could include clothing, cookware and cosmetics. Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Mar. 2024 Who is Bernard Arnault of Louis Vuitton? Arnault oversees the LVMH empire of 75 fashion and cosmetics brands, including Louis Vuitton and Sephora, according to Forbes. Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 5 Mar. 2024 Meanwhile, companies that listed before the downturn — including cosmetics maker Yatsen Holding Ltd., toy company Pop Mart International and tea and baked goods producer Nayuki Holdings — have since slid more than 80% from their IPO prices. Subrat Patnaik, Bloomberg.com, 22 Feb. 2024 As global consumers increasingly prioritize self-care and wellness, the cosmetics sector exhibits resilient growth. Kalina Bryant, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 Marta Venier, an environmental chemist and Indiana University, found harmful PFAS in a variety of products including food packaging, cosmetics and school uniforms — all representing forms of potential exposure. Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Feb. 2024 While no longer present in paint and gasoline state-side, lead is still used in batteries, solder, pipes, pottery, roofing materials and some cosmetics, according to the Mayo Clinic. The Courier-Journal, 23 Feb. 2024 Authorities accused the woman, who has not been publicly identified, of paying at least seven people to steal high-demand cosmetics in bulk from Ulta Beauty and Sephora across more than 230 thefts. Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 17 Feb. 2024 In that case, Navalny was found guilty of fraud after he and his brother Oleg were accused of embezzling 30 million rubles ($540,000) from a Russian subsidiary of French cosmetics company Yves Rocher. Laura Smith-Spark, CNN, 16 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cosmetic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Greek kosmētikos skilled in adornment, from kosmein to arrange, adorn, from kosmos order

First Known Use

Adjective

1638, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1650, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cosmetic was in 1638

Dictionary Entries Near cosmetic

Cite this Entry

“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmetic. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

cosmetic

1 of 2 noun
cos·​met·​ic käz-ˈmet-ik How to pronounce cosmetic (audio)
: a preparation (as a cream, lotion, or powder) used to improve a person's appearance

cosmetic

2 of 2 adjective
: intended to improve a person's appearance

Medical Definition

cosmetic

1 of 2 noun
cos·​met·​ic käz-ˈmet-ik How to pronounce cosmetic (audio)
: a cosmetic preparation for external use

cosmetic

2 of 2 adjective
1
: of, relating to, or making for beauty especially of the complexion
cosmetic salves
2
: correcting defects especially of the face
cosmetic surgery
cosmetically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on cosmetic

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