kohl

noun \ ˈkōl \

|Updated on: 12 Jun 2018

Definition of kohl

: a preparation used especially in Arabia and Egypt to darken the edges of the eyelids

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Recent Examples of kohl from the Web

Liza Minnelli and Grace Jones laid the kohl liner like full-blown Egyptian queens, while Jerry Hall and Debbie Harry draped their pyramid cheekbones in bright pink blush to theatrical effect.

— lauren valenti, Vogue, "Happy Anniversary, Studio 54! The Iconic Nightclub's 21 Best Beauty Looks," 26 Apr. 2018
Then, draw a kohl liner like the Rimmel Kohl Kajal Waterproof Eye Liner along the waterlines of your upper and lower lids before smudging it out with your ring finger or a cotton swab.

— devon abelman, Allure, "9 Amazing Beauty Moments Looks from EXO-CBX's "Blooming Day" Music Video," 10 Apr. 2018
Her eyes were dark, with a permanent-mascara look that recalled for Janice the kohl eye makeup of ancient Egyptians.

— miles marshall lewis, The Root, "(What Did I Do to Get So) Black and Blue," 18 Mar. 2018
That powdered mineral was the main component of a cosmetic known as kohl, used as an eyeliner in ancient times.

— National Geographic, "5,000-Year-Old Cosmetics, Jewelry Show Rise of Ancient Jericho," 19 Dec. 2017
Applying kohl is one of the most celebrated of these customs that will never cease to be used as the original smoky eye.

— jihane hajby, Allure, "7 Moroccan Beauty Secrets You Need to Know," 29 Oct. 2017
There were red lips, dark kohl-rimmed eyes and steal-worthy bronzed copper moments, thanks to traveling pro makeup artist Hung Vanngo.

— jenna rennert, Vogue, "Emily Ratajkowski Just Won Best Street Style Beauty," 4 Oct. 2017
My mother and grandmother clamored to get a glimpse of a small, older woman wearing kohl eyeliner, a black cape and a wide-brimmed hat.

— kim barget, New York Times, "Still Ready for Her Closeup," 7 Sep. 2017
In the first still from the movie, Redmayne appears in a chic wavy bob, red lips, some kohl, and what appears to be a little boobage.

— chelsea peng, Marie Claire, "Why Eddie Redmayne's Trans Character in 'The Danish Girl' Refers to Herself in the Third Person," 15 Sep. 2015

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'kohl.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.