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
Grace McCarty, Glamour, 16 Mar. 2026
Several cosmetic improvements were made to give it a more tranquil feel, including the unique rock walls added to the facility’s seven treatment rooms.
—Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Tory Johnson, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
VOCs are gases emitted by everything from carpets and shower curtains to cosmetics and cleaning products.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
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Adjective
McLendon-Covey was quick to shut down any feud speculation the morning after the ceremony, revealing that an elective cosmetic procedure kept her from attending.
—Grace McCarty, Glamour, 16 Mar. 2026
Several cosmetic improvements were made to give it a more tranquil feel, including the unique rock walls added to the facility’s seven treatment rooms.
—Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
Choose from a big assortment of cosmetics.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
VOCs are gases emitted by everything from carpets and shower curtains to cosmetics and cleaning products.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
Cite this Entry
“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmetic. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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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