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

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

Most other countries group it in with cosmetics, giving new ingredients a shorter path to market. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 24 June 2026

Algae is also found in many dietary supplements, skin care products, and cosmetics. — Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 21 June 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