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
Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
But Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist at the University of Cincinnati, says there’s no need to panic.
—Holly Burns, Time, 30 Sep. 2025
Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
The brand will be putting staffed beauty counters with cosmetics, fragrances, and skin care in nearly 50 stores, and carrying the new line at approximately 100 more.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
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Adjective
In the past, varicose vein surgery was considered cosmetic and not likely to be covered by health insurance.
—Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
But Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist at the University of Cincinnati, says there’s no need to panic.
—Holly Burns, Time, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
Colloidal gels are soft materials typically found in cosmetics and building materials.
—Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
The brand will be putting staffed beauty counters with cosmetics, fragrances, and skin care in nearly 50 stores, and carrying the new line at approximately 100 more.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
Cite this Entry
“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmetic. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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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