complexion

noun

com·plex·ion kəm-ˈplek-shən

: the combination of the hot, cold, moist, and dry qualities held in medieval physiology to determine the quality of a body

: an individual complex of ways of thinking or feeling

: a complex of attitudes and inclinations

: the hue or appearance of the skin and especially of the face

a dark complexion

: 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

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 Meanwhile, the look was completed with a no makeup-makeup complexion and dagger sharp liners by Daniel Sallstrom. —

India Espy-Jones, Essence, 9 Sep. 2023 The fall-scented face scrub is packed with potent ingredients, like pumpkin, fruit enzymes, and probiotic extracts, to reveal a smoother, brighter complexion. —

Jennifer Chan, Peoplemag, 6 Sep. 2023 As well as giving depth to her darker strands, the creamy highlights added extra illumination to her already glowing complexion. —

Georgia Day, Vogue, 5 Sep. 2023 All of these innovative, effective, and gentle products will surely upgrade your skin-care routine and plump and brighten your complexion for an undeniable glow. —

Sarah Han, Allure, 30 Aug. 2023 The apple extract naturally exfoliates dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, more even complexion. —

Nerisha Penrose, ELLE, 28 Aug. 2023 This product combines your sunscreen and moisturizer into one bottle, providing your skin with a healthy and fresh glow while nourishing your complexion from within. —

Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2023 Biotin helps strengthen the nails, prevent breakage, and promote a smoother complexion. —

Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 10 Aug. 2023 This seals it all, we not the same complexion but the FEATURES ARE THEREEEEEEE. —

Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'complexion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler

The first known use of complexion was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century