makeup

noun make·up \ ˈmāk-ˌəp \

|Updated on: 12 Jul 2018

Examples: makeup in a Sentence

Definition of makeup

1 a : the way in which the parts or ingredients of something are put together : composition

the ethnic makeup of the neighborhood

b : physical, mental, and moral constitution

His daring attitude toward risks is a major part of his makeup.

2 a : the operation of making up especially pages for printing

b : design or layout of printed matter

3 a (1) : cosmetics (such as lipstick, mascara, and eye shadow) used to color and beautify the face

(2) : a cosmetic applied to other parts of the body

leg makeup for a tanned appearance

b : materials (such as wigs and cosmetics) used in making up or in special costuming (as for a play)

4 : replacement; specifically : material added (as in a manufacturing process) to replace material that has been used up

makeup water

5 : something that makes up for a previous postponement, omission, failure, or deficiency

a makeup exam

See makeup defined for English-language learners

See makeup defined for kids

Examples of makeup in a Sentence

His daring attitude toward risks is a major part of his makeup.
She put on some makeup before the party.
She applied her makeup lightly.
She's too young to wear makeup.
put on makeup for a play
I didn't recognize him when he was in his theatrical makeup.

Recent Examples of makeup from the Web

Despite adhering to a strict daily skin-care regimen—that includes religiously washing makeup off before bed—acne is bound to strike, often unexpectedly, in the summer.

— jenna rennert, Vogue, "6 Ways to Get Rid of Acne for Good This Summer," 8 July 2018
With the present makeup in the General Assembly, both methods would require the support of more than half of Republican lawmakers in each chamber and every Democrat.

— kaitlin lange, Indianapolis Star, "Curtis Hill scandal threatens his future — and stability in Indiana Statehouse," 8 July 2018
Given the current court makeup, one vote could flip the law on one of the country’s most decisive issues.

— michael s. rosenwald, Washington Post, "Catholics on the court: The historical struggle between canon and constitutional law," 8 July 2018
Oh, and then think about how much of the rest of the cast of the film consists of former NBA and WNBA greats — including Chris Webber, Reggie Miller, Lisa Leslie, Nate Robinson, and Shaquille O’Neal himself — also in old-age makeup.

— todd vanderwerff, Vox, "Why Uncle Drew looks to be a summer sleeper hit," 3 July 2018
Ideally, the board’s makeup should reflect the diversity of the city.

— deborah martin, San Antonio Express-News, "After a bumpy season, the San Antonio Symphony in a stronger, sunnier place," 3 July 2018
Who looked the best and who looked the worst in makeup?

— jordan mcpherson, miamiherald, "Shaq talks 'Uncle Drew,' dance moves and why he doesn't care about LeBron's decision," 29 June 2018
But the next morning, when the folks at Skydive Central North Carolina called to say the weather in Maiden looked a bit too cloudy for a good jump and apologized and asked to schedule a makeup date, Carolyn Hart knew.

— théoden janes, charlotteobserver, "She did what she could to keep her 99-year-old dad from skydiving. He jumped anyway.," 28 June 2018
Other stores on their way to Kenwood are makeup retailer Riley Rose, Adore, Lolli and Pops and Pretzel Twister.

— sarah brookbank, Cincinnati.com, "New retailer, Untuckit, coming to Kenwood Towne Centre," 26 June 2018

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

First Known Use of makeup

1821

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

makeup Synonyms

Synonyms

cosmetics, paint;

Related Words

greasepaint;

camo, camouflage;

cold cream, cream, eye shadow, kohl, lipstick, lotion, mascara, oil, powder, rouge, vanishing cream;

Other Fashion Terms

bodkin, chignon, cowlick, eau de toilette, imperial, pocket, pomander, tonsorial

make up

verb

Definition of make up

transitive verb

1 a : to form by fitting together or assembling

make up a train of cars

b : to arrange typeset matter in (columns or pages) for printing

2 a : to combine to produce (a sum or whole)

b : constitute, compose

10 chapters make up this volume

3 a : to compensate for (something, such as a deficiency or omission)

make up the difference in lost pay

b : to do or take in order to correct an omission

make up a history exam

4 : settle, decide

made up my mind to depart

5 : to wrap or fasten up

make the books up into a parcel

6 a : to prepare in physical appearance for a role

b : to apply cosmetics to

7 a : invent, improvise

make up a story

b : to set in order

rooms are made up daily

intransitive verb

1 : to become reconciled

quarreled but later made up

2 a : to act ingratiatingly and flatteringly

made up to his aunt for a new bicycle

b : to make advances : court

3 : compensate

make up for lost time

4 a : to put on costumes or makeup (as for a play)

b : to apply cosmetics

See make up defined for kids

Examples of make up in a Sentence

the book is made up of 20 chapters
she keeps making up excuses as to why she hasn't yet finished the project

Recent Examples of make up from the Web

And the exclusion of services, which make up 80% of the economy and in which, unlike goods, Britain has a large trade surplus, seems better for the EU than for the United Kingdom.

— The Economist, "Britain’s new Brexit plan is savaged—by its own Brexit secretary," 9 July 2018
That meant less of the narrow, winding tunnels that make up much of the cave complex were overwhelmed by water, so much of the route out could be walked, meaning less swimming and less time in scuba gear.

— john bacon, USA TODAY, "Four boys rescued from Thailand cave: What we know now," 8 July 2018
Tech is especially being put to the test by a tangle of millions of independent laborers, farmers and tiny companies that make up the lumbering farm sector.

— bill spindle, WSJ, "A Milk Startup Takes On 300 Million Cows," 7 July 2018
The proposal aims to keep the U.K. and the bloc in a free-trade zone for goods, but not for services, which make up the bulk of the British economy.

— NBC News, "After marathon meeting, U.K. PM May wins support from divided government on Brexit plan," 7 July 2018
The nonprofit art space that makes up the building, the garden and the wonders throughout hosts artists, events and exhibits that explore art and science and the connection between.

— New York Times, "Free (or Cheap) Things to Do in NYC This Weekend," 5 July 2018
Israel says the structures that make up the Khan al-Ahmar encampment were illegally built and pose a threat to residents because of their proximity to a highway.

— Fox News, "Activists protest planned West Bank demolition," 4 July 2018
The event was a way to celebrate the end of the school year while also celebrating the different cultures that make up Manchester.

— quoron walker, Courant Community, "Third Annual Block Party Draws A Crowd," 3 July 2018
Considering documents that make up American history all in one place can teach far more than even the most important individual artifact.

— alexander heffner, Time, "The American Historical Record Includes Court Cases, Famous Speeches—And Trump’s Tweets. Here’s Why That Matters," 2 July 2018

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

First Known Use of make up

14th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

make up Synonyms

Phrases

put together;

MAKEUP Defined for English Language Learners

makeup

noun

Definition of makeup for English Language Learners

: the way in which something is put together or arranged
: the physical, mental, and moral character of a person
: substances (such as lipstick or powder) used to make someone's face look more attractive