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
Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Apr. 2025
But instead of building on that legal mandate by updating the funding formula periodically with current data and add an objective analysis of current educational needs, state leaders in recent years have settled for cosmetic tweaks and short-term fixes.
—Michael A. Rebell, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2025
Armond White, National Review, 25 Apr. 2025
This event, which runs from April 29 to May 12, 2025, will give players the opportunity to earn multiple Rayquaza ex Promo cards, as well as additional cosmetics and other Promo cards.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
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Adjective
If Trump is making cosmetic changes to the White House, his effect on the presidency goes much deeper.
—Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Apr. 2025
But instead of building on that legal mandate by updating the funding formula periodically with current data and add an objective analysis of current educational needs, state leaders in recent years have settled for cosmetic tweaks and short-term fixes.
—Michael A. Rebell, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
Minahan reduces the period story to cosmetics rather than capturing the down-low essence of the pre-Stonewall era.
—Armond White, National Review, 25 Apr. 2025
This event, which runs from April 29 to May 12, 2025, will give players the opportunity to earn multiple Rayquaza ex Promo cards, as well as additional cosmetics and other Promo cards.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 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 4 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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