cosmetic

1 of 3

adjective (1)

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

: decorative, ornamental

c

: not substantive : superficial

cosmetic changes

3

: visually appealing

cosmetically

käz-ˈme-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

cosmetic

2 of 3

noun

: 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

cosmetical

3 of 3

adjective (2)

cos·​met·​i·​cal

käz-ˈme-ti-kəl

: relating to cosmetics or to physical appearance

cosmetically

käz-ˈme-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms of cosmetic

Adjective (1)

• decorative
• ornamental

Examples 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

Adjective

Quinn offers treatment for allergies, hearing and sleep issues, general ear, nose and throat concerns and cosmetic procedures, according to his website. — Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026

The trend originated in South Korea, where PDRN was first embraced for its skin-healing and regenerative properties in both medical and cosmetic settings. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026

Noun

The marketplace features all sorts of goods -– clothes, books, cosmetics, toys, appliances, household items, sports gear and much more. — ABC News, 23 July 2026

State auditors found in 2018 that $700K in voucher money being spent on cosmetics, clothing, and other inappropriate items. — Peter Greene, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

Greek kosmētikos skilled in adornment, from kosmein to arrange, adorn, from kosmos order

Adjective (2)

Greek kosmētikos + English -al

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

1638, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1650, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cosmetic

• cosmetic case
• cosmetic surgery

Rhymes for cosmetic

• acetic
• aesthetic
• ascetic
• athletic
• diegetic
• eidetic
• emetic
• esthetic
• frenetic
• genetic
• helvetic
• hermetic

Kids 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 adjective

1

: of, relating to, or making for beauty especially of the complexion

cosmetic salves

2

: correcting defects especially of the face

cosmetic surgery

cosmetically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb