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
• tone

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

Unfortunately one woman lost her newborn son after being overlooked by medical staff when informing them that her child’s complexion looked off, Brown said. —Lauren-Kennedy Brown, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2025

Finding a lightweight sunscreen that works for your skin type is a great way to protect your pores and complexion, such as this oil-free UVA/UVB protection Neutrogena sunscreen and serum that doubles as a toxin-fighting, lightweight armor, as well as being intensely hydrating. —Alexandra Pereira, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2025

Nude Honey taps directly into that energy: part of the same sheer lipstick family, with a new shade profile meant to flatter bare skin, glazed complexions, and softly sculpted lips. —Claire Sullivan, Footwear News, 20 June 2025

Furthermore, alpha hydroxy acid—citric acid, to be exact—adds a little exfoliation to the mix, sweeping away dead skin cells and excess oils while brightening the complexion and helping skin absorb other products like toners, serums, and moisturizers. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 14 June 2025

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

Rhymes for complexion

• abjection
• advection
• affection
• bijection
• bisection
• collection
• confection
• connection
• connexion
• convection
• correction
• defection

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