complexion

noun

com·​plex·​ion kəm-ˈplek-shən 

1

: the combination of the hot, cold, moist, and dry qualities held in medieval physiology to determine the quality of a body

2

a

: an individual complex of ways of thinking or feeling

b

: a complex of attitudes and inclinations

3

: the hue or appearance of the skin and especially of the face

a dark complexion

4

: overall aspect or character

by changing the complexion of the legislative branch

—Trevor Armbrister

complexional

kəm-ˈplek-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

complexioned

kəm-ˈplek-shənd 

adjective

Synonyms

• color
• coloring

Examples of complexion in a Sentence

She has a dark complexion.

All of the children had healthy complexions.

The complexion of the neighborhood has changed over the years.

Recent Examples on the Web

Our tester could feel that this formula is made to do more than just hydrate the complexion — the tightening effect was noticeable. —Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 17 Apr. 2024

Others are worried about how the ban on race-conscious admissions will affect the complexion of their campuses. —Stephanie Saul, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024

Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid works to replenish natural moisture levels, and niacinamide helps strengthen the skin barrier and brighten overall complexion. —Danielle Cohen, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2024

The influx is gradually changing the complexion of city neighborhoods. —Lucinda Elliott and Miguel Lo Bianco, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Mar. 2024

Type: Powder Finish: Natural Finish How to apply: Use semi-matte shades to sculpt cheekbones and soft-shine shades to highlight the complexion. —Iman Balagam, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2024

Sargent mirrors the dress’s purple accents in the delicate complexion of Sassoon, and again in the small mauve flower in her right hand. —Leah Dolan, CNN, 1 Mar. 2024

From lightweight formulas to powerful hydration, find your ideal match for a radiant complexion. —Lauren Paige Richeson, Health, 3 Apr. 2024

Those with dry or mature skin should choose hydrating options, while those with oilier complexions should keep an eye out for powders with mattifying properties. —Clare Holden, Glamour, 2 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English complexioun "(of substances, parts of the body, or persons) constitution or nature resulting from a combination of the four humors, healthy disposition, facial color taken as indicating the proportion of humors, (in general) constitution, nature," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French complexion, complection "humor, combination of humors, physical constitution or nature, facial color" borrowed from Medieval Latin complexiōn-, complexiō "combination of humors or other elements, constitution, temperament," going back to Latin, "action of circling, combination, collection," from complector, complectī "to embrace, grasp, encompass, include" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at complex entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing complexion

• peaches and cream complexion
• put a new/different complexion on

Kids Definition

complexion

noun

com·​plex·​ion kəm-ˈplek-shən 

1

: the hue or appearance of the skin and especially of the face

has a dark complexion

2

: general appearance : character

information that changes the whole complexion of a situation

complexioned

-shənd 

adjective

Medical Definition

complexion

noun

com·​plex·​ion kəm-ˈplek-shən 

1

: the combination of the hot, cold, moist, and dry qualities held in medieval physiology to determine the quality of a body

2

: the hue or appearance of the skin and especially of the face

a dark complexion

complexioned

-shənd 

adjective