mascara

noun

mas·​cara ma-ˈsker-ə How to pronounce mascara (audio)
-ˈska-rə
: a cosmetic especially for making the eyelashes darker and more prominent
mascaraed
ma-ˈsker-əd How to pronounce mascara (audio)
-ˈska-rəd
adjective

Examples of mascara in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To help break down how to apply mascara correctly, Gray shares her best methods and tricks. Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 10 Sep. 2025 But this tubing mascara took my lashes to the lengths that my fluffier brushes do. Elizabeth Denton, StyleCaster, 9 Sep. 2025 Our favorite mascaras have real staying power. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2025 From hydrating night creams to tubing mascaras, now is a smart time to stock up on your cooler-weather skin-care faves (yup, the time has come) before prices bounce back up. Lily Wohlner, Allure, 1 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mascara

Word History

Etymology

probably from Italian maschera mask

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mascara was in 1886

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mascara.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mascara. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

mascara

noun
mas·​cara ma-ˈskar-ə How to pronounce mascara (audio)
: a cosmetic especially for darkening the eyelashes

More from Merriam-Webster on mascara

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