mascara

noun

mas·​cara ma-ˈsker-ə 

-ˈska-rə

: a cosmetic especially for making the eyelashes darker and more prominent

mascaraed

ma-ˈsker-əd 

-ˈska-rəd

adjective

Examples of mascara in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Behind Lyonne's signature sunglasses, her makeup artist, Mary Wiles, kept her look simple with a nude pink lip and black mascara. —Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 10 Apr. 2026

There was once a time when women would tailor their mascara color to their hair color and face complexion, and brown mascara tends to be more flattering on many people. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026

Anderson, who has adopted a very minimal makeup routine in recent years, wore just a hint of lip color and skipped mascara for her red carpet appearance, adding to the fresh-as-a-daisy feel of her soft lob. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 8 Apr. 2026

My last visit had been just three days before to buy a mini hair spray and mascara to wear to a party. —Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 7 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably from Italian maschera mask

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mascara

• aspera
• barbera
• barrera
• caldera
• cascara
• chimaera
• chimera
• cordillera
• diptera
• drosera
• patera
• provera

Kids Definition

mascara

noun

mas·​cara ma-ˈskar-ə 

: a cosmetic especially for darkening the eyelashes