cosmetic
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
Guy DavenportExamples of cosmetic in a Sentence
Use a cosmetic to hide the scar.
Recent Examples on the Web
And the detachable coin purse offers additional organization for cosmetics or other small items.
—Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026
The credit card purchases, most of which were itemized on city records as office supplies, included gifts and decorations for family birthday parties, women’s, men’s and children’s clothing; $19,000 in groceries, children’s toys, cosmetics, a bed linens, table cloths and home decorations.
—Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2026
That report said the safety of most of the top PFAS chemicals used in cosmetics could not be determined, because the federal government does not have enough data on their toxicity.
—Mara Hoplamazian, NPR, 2 June 2026
Founder Alexandra Thiltgès drew on her experience in the cosmetics industry to launch the prêt-a-porter line in 2017 in all the colors of the rainbow.
—Mary Winston Nicklin, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
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Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026
The credit card purchases, most of which were itemized on city records as office supplies, included gifts and decorations for family birthday parties, women’s, men’s and children’s clothing; $19,000 in groceries, children’s toys, cosmetics, a bed linens, table cloths and home decorations.
—Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2026
That report said the safety of most of the top PFAS chemicals used in cosmetics could not be determined, because the federal government does not have enough data on their toxicity.
—Mara Hoplamazian, NPR, 2 June 2026
Founder Alexandra Thiltgès drew on her experience in the cosmetics industry to launch the prêt-a-porter line in 2017 in all the colors of the rainbow.
—Mary Winston Nicklin, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 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 9 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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