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 (1)
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
Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
The same treatment plan may include implants, prosthetics, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics and restorative work.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 18 June 2026
Joshua Hunt, Vanity Fair, 17 June 2026
An unspoken expectation to look like counterparts in their 20s and 30s demands a massive investment in expensive med spas, cosmetics to cover gray roots, and professional attire and dry cleaning that cost more today than ever before.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
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Adjective
The title change from Crucial Confrontations to Crucial Accountability was not cosmetic.
—Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
The same treatment plan may include implants, prosthetics, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics and restorative work.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 18 June 2026
Noun
By one account, the president got the idea from billionaire cosmetics heir Ronald Lauder.
—Joshua Hunt, Vanity Fair, 17 June 2026
An unspoken expectation to look like counterparts in their 20s and 30s demands a massive investment in expensive med spas, cosmetics to cover gray roots, and professional attire and dry cleaning that cost more today than ever before.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 June 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 20 Jun. 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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