cosmetology

noun

cos·​me·​tol·​o·​gy ˌkäz-mə-ˈtä-lə-jē 

: the cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails

Examples of cosmetology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Matthews is a single mom originally from New York who is currently a master cosmetology student at the Elaine Sterling Institute. — Rashad Williams, CBS News, 1 June 2026

At the same time, for-profit barber, cosmetology and hair braiding trade schools now come with tuition that can exceed $17,000. — Eric Zamparripa, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026

Before opening Endless Grind, Beyene did ten years in cosmetology and still owns a beauty shop. — Colin Wrenn, Denver Post, 13 May 2026

Some are short-term certificate programs, including cosmetology and other vocational training fields. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 3 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

French cosmétologie, from cosmétique cosmetic (from English cosmetic) + -logie -logy

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cosmetology

• aetiology
• anthropology
• archaeology
• archeology
• audiology
• cardiology
• climatology
• cohomology
• criminology
• demonology
• dermatology
• egyptology

Medical Definition

cosmetology

noun

cos·​me·​tol·​o·​gy -jē 

plural cosmetologies

: the cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails