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
Maria Yagoda, People.com, 5 July 2025
The singer, who celebrated her 80th birthday on July 1, opened up about her decision to have cosmetic procedures in a new interview with Vanity Fair, acknowledging the pressures of being a woman in the music industry.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 3 July 2025
Náosha Gregg, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Like any of the leading luxury cosmetics on the market, a sensorial experience is a must, and Pro-Collagen Marine Cream certainly delivers.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
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Adjective
To continue the important discourse on beauty and body image, see the celebrities who’ve talked unabashedly about exploring cosmetic procedures to boost their confidence.
—Maria Yagoda, People.com, 5 July 2025
The singer, who celebrated her 80th birthday on July 1, opened up about her decision to have cosmetic procedures in a new interview with Vanity Fair, acknowledging the pressures of being a woman in the music industry.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 3 July 2025
Noun
However, despite the high numbers, the beauty industry is beginning to see a shift in the desire for luxury cosmetics.
—Náosha Gregg, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Like any of the leading luxury cosmetics on the market, a sensorial experience is a must, and Pro-Collagen Marine Cream certainly delivers.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 July 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 11 Jul. 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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