cosmetology

noun

cos·​me·​tol·​o·​gy ˌkäz-mə-ˈtä-lə-jē 

: the cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails

Examples of cosmetology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Williams, who works as a barber instructor and operates a cosmetology school, wants to push for policies strengthening small businesses. —Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026

Owners of Texas cosmetology schools in immigrant-heavy communities told the Statesman the change has already slashed enrollment, in some cases cutting it by more than half. —Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 15 Mar. 2026

In 1997, she was arrested for braiding without a cosmetology license. —Marissa Armas, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026

The woman claims that Magalhaes Pereira lacked the proper licensure and education to perform cosmetic and aesthetic procedures and that Silva Pereira was negligent in verifying Magalhaes Pereira’s licenses for cosmetology and injector certifications for aesthetic treatments. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French cosmétologie, from cosmétique cosmetic (from English cosmetic) + -logie -logy

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cosmetology

• aetiology
• anthropology
• archaeology
• archeology
• audiology
• cardiology
• climatology
• cohomology
• criminology
• demonology
• dermatology
• egyptology

Medical Definition

cosmetology

noun

cos·​me·​tol·​o·​gy -jē 

plural cosmetologies

: the cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails