cos·met·ic
käz-ˈme-tik 
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
c
: not substantive : superficial
cosmetic changes
3
: visually appealing
: 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
Guy DavenportExamples of cosmetic in a Sentence
Adjective
Almond oil is sometimes used in cosmetic products.
medical procedures that are done for cosmetic purposes
The changes were purely cosmetic.
Noun
Use a cosmetic to hide the scar.
Recent Examples on the Web
Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2025
The interface is largely the same as on Windows, with only minor cosmetic changes.
—PC Magazine, 3 Sep. 2025
Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2025
Emma has also been the face of Dior cosmetics campaigns and has modeled in commercials for brands like Redken, per her literary bio.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
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Adjective
This change isn't just cosmetic.
—Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2025
The interface is largely the same as on Windows, with only minor cosmetic changes.
—PC Magazine, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
Best Labor Day Beauty Deals Under $50 Amazon’s Labor Day Sale has tons of discounts on skincare products, cosmetics, beauty tools, and oral care products, with brands like Revlon, Maybelline, Medicube, Jukebox, and Crest among the many deals to shop.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2025
Emma has also been the face of Dior cosmetics campaigns and has modeled in commercials for brands like Redken, per her literary bio.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
Cite this Entry
“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmetic. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cosmetic
1 of 2 noun
cos·met·ic
käz-ˈmet-ik
: a preparation (as a cream, lotion, or powder) used to improve a person's appearance
cosmetic
2 of 2 adjective
: intended to improve a person's appearance
Medical Definition
cosmetic
1 of 2 noun
cos·met·ic
käz-ˈmet-ik
: a cosmetic preparation for external use
cosmetic
2 of 2 adjective1
: of, relating to, or making for beauty especially of the complexion
cosmetic salves
2
: correcting defects especially of the face
cosmetic surgery
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