cosmetic

adjective cos·met·ic \ käz-ˈme-tik \

|Updated on: 11 Jun 2018

Examples: cosmetic in a Sentence

Definition of cosmetic

1 : of, relating to, or making for beauty especially of the complexion : beautifying

cosmetic salves

2 : done or made for the sake of appearance: such as

a : correcting defects especially of the face

cosmetic surgery

b : decorative, ornamental

c : not substantive : superficial

cosmetic changes

3 : visually appealing

—

cosmetically

play \käz-ˈme-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See cosmetic defined for English-language learners

Examples of cosmetic in a Sentence

Almond oil is sometimes used in cosmetic products.
medical procedures that are done for cosmetic purposes
The changes were purely cosmetic.

Recent Examples of cosmetic from the Web

The new Fox Racing Shox are joined by an electronic system that functions like cruise control for the most challenging off-road conditions, Recaro sport seats and a few cosmetic changes.

— mark phelan, Detroit Free Press, "2019 Ford Raptor adds adaptive shocks ready for 'jump mode'," 24 May 2018
Improvements were both cosmetic as well as improving the facility’s utilities and included compete exterior painting, brick edging and mulch as well as new LED lighting inside, a water heater, fridge, freezer, bar cooler and a slop sink.

— david sharos, Aurora Beacon-News, "Volunteers give Aurora VFW post 'a complete face lift'," 10 May 2018
New interview rooms, a children's waiting area and other cosmetic changes were some of the upgrades intended to put victims at ease ahead of difficult interviews with police.

— courtney astolfi, cleveland.com, "How have missing persons investigations in Cleveland changed since Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight were found?," 3 May 2018
Others, like the four-outlet exhaust, supercharger badging, and front-end styling changes, are cosmetic.

— al haas, Philly.com, "2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk: A supercharged pleasure to drive," 28 Apr. 2018
The plan of action would embrace real, systemic changes, not cosmetic changes or simply new programs.

— charlotteobserver, "Mecklenburg County commissioner candidates: Where they stand on key issues | Charlotte Observer," 18 Apr. 2018
The restaurant group is working on cosmetic changes in the space, with redone floors and lighting, fresh paint and design incorporating dark wood and metals.

— leeanne griffin, courant.com, "The Press Restaurant To Replace Hartford's Black Bear Saloon," 4 Apr. 2018
The front office made only cosmetic changes to a team that won 104 games last season.

— andy mccullough, latimes.com, "Joe Panik's home run off Clayton Kershaw is the difference in Dodgers' 1-0 opening day loss to Giants," 30 Mar. 2018
The global order will remain intact, with a few minor cosmetic changes, much like the U.S.-China deal announced last May, which was supposed to open up widespread U.S. beef exports to China but which has barely increased shipments.

— david dayen, The New Republic, "Trump’s Theater of Trade," 27 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cosmetic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of cosmetic

Greek kosmētikos skilled in adornment, from kosmein to arrange, adorn, from kosmos order

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1638

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

cosmetic Synonyms

Synonyms

adorning, beautifying, decorative, embellishing, ornamental;

Antonyms

functional, utilitarian;

beauteous, beautiful, comely, fair, gorgeous, handsome, lovely, pretty, stunning;

detailed, elaborate, fancy, ornate;

cosmetic

noun

Definition of cosmetic

: something that is cosmetic: such as

a : a cosmetic preparation for external use

b cosmetics plural : superficial features

a poem without rhetorical cosmetics
—Guy Davenport

See cosmetic defined for English-language learners

See cosmetic defined for kids

Examples of cosmetic in a Sentence

Use a cosmetic to hide the scar.

Recent Examples of cosmetic from the Web

The chemicals include many in everyday use, such as dry-cleaning solvents, paint strippers, and substances used in health and beauty products like shampoos and cosmetics.

— eric lipton, BostonGlobe.com, "The chemical industry scores a big win at the EPA," 7 June 2018
Not to be confused with marijuana, which is also a member of the cannabis sativa species, industrial hemp is used in products as diverse as paper and clothing to biodegradable plastics, paint and cosmetics.

— Detroit Free Press, "CBD oil: Safe and effective pain relief," 5 June 2018
Aside from promoting the newest additions to her cosmetics empire, Jenner has been fairly quiet over recent weeks, especially concerning her baby girl.

— jen juneau, PEOPLE.com, "We Found It: The Stylish Gucci Baby Carrier Kylie Jenner Uses for 4-Month-Old Daughter Stormi," 4 June 2018
Even Kourtney Kardashian's Capitol Hill visit in April to advocate for cosmetics reform was overshadowed days later by her brother-in-law Kanye West wearing a MAGA hat and claiming slavery was a choice.

— hunter schwarz, CNN, "The Kardashians and politics don't always mix, but Kim's push for prison reform could be different," 30 May 2018
Sephora: The cosmetics mecca is offering a sweet deal on their affordably priced but super efficacious in-house line, Sephora Collection.

— rachel jacoby zoldan, Glamour, "The Best Memorial Day 2018 Beauty Sales to Shop This Weekend," 23 May 2018
At the moment, those involved tend to throw into the pot anything that might vaguely count: ecotourism; wild fruits and nuts that can command a premium price; cosmetics made from forest products that appeal to the virtue-signalling middle classes.

— The Economist, "Colombia’s national survey of its biodiversity is ambitious," 17 May 2018
The 20-year-old reality star and cosmetics mogul, who gave birth to daughter Stormi Webster in February, hit the Met Gala tonight with boyfriend Travis Scott on her arm.

— harper's bazaar staff, Harper's BAZAAR, "Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott Just Hit the Met Gala Red Carpet Together," 8 May 2018
Benjamin Ruiz was a creative director for Laura Mercier cosmetics, according to news reports.

— samantha ketterer, Houston Chronicle, "Autopsies detail deaths of divorcing Houston couple killed in murder-suicide," 7 May 2018

First Known Use of cosmetic

1650

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

COSMETIC Defined for English Language Learners

cosmetic

adjective

Definition of cosmetic for English Language Learners

: used or done in order to improve a person's appearance
: done in order to make something look better
: not important or meaningful

cosmetic

noun

Definition of cosmetic for English Language Learners

: a substance (such as a cream, lotion, or powder) that you put on your face or body to improve your appearance

COSMETIC Defined for Kids

cosmetic

noun cos·met·ic \ käz-ˈmet-ik \

Definition of cosmetic for Students

: a material (as a cream, lotion, or powder) used to improve a person's appearance

Medical Dictionary

cosmetic

noun cos·met·ic \ käz-ˈmet-ik \

medical Definition of cosmetic

: a cosmetic preparation for external use

cosmetic

adjective

medical Definition of cosmetic

1 : of, relating to, or making for beauty especially of the complexion

cosmetic salves

2 : correcting defects especially of the face

cosmetic surgery

—

cosmetically

play \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Learn More about cosmetic

See words that rhyme with cosmetic Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cosmetic Spanish Central: Translation of cosmetic Nglish: Translation of cosmetic for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of cosmetic for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cosmetic

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up cosmetic? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

cosmetic

Definition of cosmetic

cosmetically

Examples of cosmetic in a Sentence

Recent Examples of cosmetic from the Web

Origin and Etymology of cosmetic

cosmetic Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

cosmetic

Definition of cosmetic

Examples of cosmetic in a Sentence

Recent Examples of cosmetic from the Web

First Known Use of cosmetic

Phrases Related to COSMETIC

Related Phrases

COSMETIC Defined for English Language Learners

cosmetic

Definition of cosmetic for English Language Learners

cosmetic

Definition of cosmetic for English Language Learners

COSMETIC Defined for Kids

cosmetic

Definition of cosmetic for Students

Medical Dictionary

cosmetic

medical Definition of cosmetic

cosmetic

medical Definition of cosmetic

cosmetically

Learn More about cosmetic

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Words We're Watching: 'B side'

Trending: DOJ Describes Comey as 'Insubordinate'

Name More Food!

9 Words for Transnational Currencies

Ghost Word