complexion

noun

com·​plex·​ion kəm-ˈplek-shən 

1

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

2

a

: an individual complex of ways of thinking or feeling

b

: a complex of attitudes and inclinations

3

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

a dark complexion

4

: 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

Synonyms

• color
• coloring

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

After all, it’s been head-scratching to watch my 11-year-old buy serums that seem totally unnecessary for her youthful complexion. —Melissa Willets, Parents, 12 May 2025

These products help restore the skin's microbiome balance, calm inflammation, and promote a healthier complexion. —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 12 May 2025

False killer whales — which are found throughout all the world’s oceans — are distinguished by their dark complexion, slender frame and lack of a beak, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 9 May 2025

Plus, there comprehensive 12 shades to choose from: a bright fuchsia looks lovely on deeper complexions, alongside the more classic baby pinks and peaches for fairer tones. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 May 2025

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

Phrases Containing complexion

• peaches and cream complexion
• put a new/different complexion on

Rhymes for complexion

• abjection
• advection
• affection
• bijection
• bisection
• collection
• confection
• connection
• connexion
• convection
• correction
• defection

Kids Definition

complexion

noun

com·​plex·​ion kəm-ˈplek-shən 

1

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

has a dark complexion

2

: general appearance : character

information that changes the whole complexion of a situation

complexioned

-shənd 

adjective

Medical Definition

complexion

noun

com·​plex·​ion kəm-ˈplek-shən 

1

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

2

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

a dark complexion

complexioned

-shənd 

adjective