cosmetic

adjective cos·met·ic \ käz-ˈme-tik \

Updated on: 17 Apr 2018

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

Much of the delicate prettiness of spring time at Augusta National Golf Club was cosmetic.

— bill livingston, cleveland.com, "Masters 2018: Tiger Woods and the ghosts of Masters past -- Bill Livingston," 5 Apr. 2018
Some experts say the change was cosmetic, because in many cases immigrants who were repatriated faced few consequences and would keep attempting to cross the border.

— salvador rizzo, Washington Post, "President Trump’s claim that Democrats created ‘catch and release’ policies," 4 Apr. 2018
At a board presentation in February, the MTA’s new head of the subway, Andy Byford, said the program was more than just cosmetic.

— paul berger, WSJ, "New York Subway Cuts Back Plans to Renovate Stations," 3 Apr. 2018
The issues affecting these communities are more than cosmetic.

— Chicago Tribune, "RAGE, RIOTS, RUIN," 1 Apr. 2018
The changes are largely cosmetic, but visual cues, such as a consent interface that encourages users to opt-in to data collection, can make a big difference.

— nitasha tiku, WIRED, "Facebook Will Make It Easier for You to Control Your Personal Data," 28 Mar. 2018
Cracks in new concrete construction are not uncommon, and can be cosmetic or a sign of more serious trouble.

— andres viglucci, jenny staletovich, douglas hanks and linda robertson, miamiherald, "What caused FIU’s bridge to fall? More clues come to light. | Miami Herald," 17 Mar. 2018
Obviously, the Macan gets a unique exterior and interior, but the differences are more than cosmetic.

— jonathan m. gitlin, Ars Technica, "Like a hot hatch on steroids: The Porsche Macan GTS reviewed," 6 Mar. 2018
Cheek filler, lip filler, Botox injections and teeth whitening are purely cosmetic and are not deductible, McDougal said.

— molly sullivan, sacbee, "Check out these 8 medical deductions before doing your taxes | The Sacramento Bee," 5 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

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

Lead is a naturally occurring metal found deep within the ground and has been used in a variety of products, including paint, pipes, gasoline, batteries and even cosmetics.

— jacqueline howard, CNN, "Lead found in hundreds of Chicago homes' tap water, report says," 12 Apr. 2018
The decision for surgery depends upon many factors including age, profession and cosmetics.

— dr. harlan selesnick, miamiherald, "Biceps tendon tear doesn’t always need surgery to be repaired | Miami Herald," 9 Apr. 2018
All cosmetics have become more prevalent in fashion.

— dana oland, idahostatesman, "This Boise startup hit $1 million in sales in 5 months. ‘I have no idea where we’ll be in five years.’ | Idaho Statesman," 5 Apr. 2018
South Korea at the time was a major destination for Chinese tourists eager to snap up consumer goods, especially cosmetics.

— alex frangos, WSJ, "Airlines, Not Boeing, Will Feel China Tariff Threat First," 4 Apr. 2018
The packaging is minimalist, but the cosmetics are designed to make your complexion glow while actively improving your skin.

— vanity fair, Vanities, "From the April Issue: International Beauty Inspiration," 2 Apr. 2018
In order to support her household, Deborah worked double- and triple-shifts at two hotels—Wyndham Garden and Drury Inn & Suites—and sold cosmetics for Mary Kay.

— karl bullock, SI.com, "Following Mom's Lead: UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley Plans to Help Those In Need," 30 Mar. 2018
Located in a nondescript office building in one of Fuzhou’s many industrial zones, the Startup Base is home to 83 Taiwanese companies that sell everything from cosmetics to car parts.

— michael holtz, The Christian Science Monitor, "Beijing's message for young Taiwanese: We mean business," 29 Mar. 2018
The best description of these events may come from Langston Hughes, who famously attended a 1920s Hamilton Club Lodge Ball in Harlem as the guest of cosmetics heiress A’Lelia Walker.

— lexi pandell, WIRED, "How RuPaul's Drag Race Fueled Pop Culture’s Dominant Slang Engine," 22 Mar. 2018

First Known Use of cosmetic

1650

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: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

The Adverb: A Most Fascinating POS

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes