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
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
Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
Toiletries and cosmetic products that exceed 3.4 ounces are subject to removal, meaning you may be asked to toss out your luxe night cream or pricey hair serum if the container is too large.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2025
Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 20 May 2025
While the European Union prohibits formaldehyde and some chemicals that release formaldehyde in cosmetics, most states (except California and Maryland, which implemented bans earlier this year) permit manufacturers to add these substances.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
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Adjective
Films must be shot in their real-world locations, with no cosmetic alterations to faces or bodies unless required by the story.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
Toiletries and cosmetic products that exceed 3.4 ounces are subject to removal, meaning you may be asked to toss out your luxe night cream or pricey hair serum if the container is too large.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2025
Noun
The products include apparel, carpets or rugs, cleaning products, cookware, cosmetics, dental floss, fabric treatments, children’s products, menstruation products, ski wax, textile furnishings, and upholstered furniture, according to an analysis of the bill.
—Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 20 May 2025
While the European Union prohibits formaldehyde and some chemicals that release formaldehyde in cosmetics, most states (except California and Maryland, which implemented bans earlier this year) permit manufacturers to add these substances.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
Cite this Entry
“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmetic. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
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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