cosmetic

1 of 2

adjective

cos·​met·​ic käz-ˈme-tik How to pronounce cosmetic (audio)
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
c
: not substantive : superficial
cosmetic changes
3
: visually appealing
cosmetically adverb

cosmetic

2 of 2

noun

: something that is cosmetic: such as
a
: a cosmetic preparation for external use
b
cosmetics plural : superficial features
a poem without rhetorical cosmeticsGuy Davenport

Examples 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Read more about our favorite budget-friendly beauty picks here: Now watch a cosmetic chemist guess cheap vs. expensive mascara: Shop all of our latest obsessions in one place! Sarah Hoffmann, Allure, 22 Nov. 2024 Being a facelift, there are some cosmetic changes such as new bumpers and some extra interior bits. Matthew MacConnell, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
The agency regulates prescription and over-the-counter drugs, cell and gene therapies, food, medical devices, tobacco, and cosmetics. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 27 Nov. 2024 The 20-year-old cosmetics and skin care company e.l.f. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cosmetic 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

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

First Known Use

Adjective

1638, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1650, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cosmetic was in 1638

Dictionary Entries Near cosmetic

Cite this Entry

“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmetic. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

cosmetic

1 of 2 noun
cos·​met·​ic käz-ˈmet-ik How to pronounce cosmetic (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce cosmetic (audio)
: 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 adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on cosmetic

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