cos·met·ic
käz-ˈme-tik 
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
b
c
: not substantive : superficial
cosmetic changes
3
: visually appealing
: something that is cosmetic: such as
a
: a cosmetic preparation for external use
b
cosmetics plural
: superficial features
… a poem without rhetorical cosmetics …—
Guy Davenport
Guy DavenportExamples 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
Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2026
That led to a cheaper build-out cost of $500,000, for the company to add a fresh coat of paint, logos, racks, furniture and other cosmetic fixtures.
—Max Scheinblum, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2026
ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
During Wednesday’s episode — which is also Jenner’s second ever podcast appearance — Jenner and Cudi covered a range of topics, including her cosmetics brand Kylie Cosmetics, her acting debut in Charli XCX’s The Moment, her foray into singing and her experience navigating fame, to name a few.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
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Adjective
Fairplay’s asks are structural, not cosmetic.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2026
That led to a cheaper build-out cost of $500,000, for the company to add a fresh coat of paint, logos, racks, furniture and other cosmetic fixtures.
—Max Scheinblum, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
Beshear, a former state attorney general, noted that many other items already contain warning labels, including cosmetics, personal hygiene products and household cleaners.
—ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
During Wednesday’s episode — which is also Jenner’s second ever podcast appearance — Jenner and Cudi covered a range of topics, including her cosmetics brand Kylie Cosmetics, her acting debut in Charli XCX’s The Moment, her foray into singing and her experience navigating fame, to name a few.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
Cite this Entry
“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmetic. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cosmetic
1 of 2 noun
cos·met·ic
käz-ˈmet-ik
: 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
: a cosmetic preparation for external use
cosmetic
2 of 2 adjective1
: of, relating to, or making for beauty especially of the complexion
cosmetic salves
2
: correcting defects especially of the face
cosmetic surgery
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