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
Erika W. Smith, Allure, 26 Feb. 2026
Before his death, Jordan James Parke was rejected from Botched twice, after the show's doctors warned him away from additional cosmetic procedures.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Feb. 2026
Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 16 Feb. 2026
De Kluyver dreamt up three off-kilter looks utilizing Byredo’s assortment of colorful cosmetics.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
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Adjective
But pre-show cosmetic interventions haven’t always been the norm.
—Erika W. Smith, Allure, 26 Feb. 2026
Before his death, Jordan James Parke was rejected from Botched twice, after the show's doctors warned him away from additional cosmetic procedures.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
Your in-room beauty ritual at Palace Merano has been whipped by the team at Piroche, a cosmetics company based right in Merano itself.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 16 Feb. 2026
De Kluyver dreamt up three off-kilter looks utilizing Byredo’s assortment of colorful cosmetics.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 Feb. 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 26 Feb. 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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