makeup

noun make·up \ ˈmāk-ˌəp \

Updated on: 11 Sep 2017

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

And here's a look that makeup artist Katrina Marrufo created with a couple of them.

— devon abelman, Allure, "ColourPop Celebrates 5 Million Instagram Followers With Free Grab Bag," 30 Aug. 2017
BlueMercury sells skin care, makeup, hair care and fragrance products.

— erin hegarty, Naperville Sun, "Bluemercury to move into old Starbucks, luxury salon planned for Water Street," 3 Aug. 2017
This suggests that the major components of the Greeks’ ancestry were already in place in the Bronze Age, after the migration of the earliest farmers from Anatolia set the template for the genetic makeup of Greeks and, in fact, most Europeans.

— ann gibbons, Science | AAAS, "The Greeks really do have near-mythical origins, ancient DNA reveals," 2 Aug. 2017
Her hair is down, her feet bare, only a touch of makeup, her skin luminous.

— jessica diehl, HWD, "Angelina Jolie Solo," 26 July 2017
The reality star documented her saga on Snapchat, including getting burned by a hair dryer in an attempt to get makeup off her shirt.

— mehera bonner, Marie Claire, "Kim Kardashian Documented a Major Fashion Emergency, and It's Relatable AF," 21 July 2017
Two-thirds of the main Exchange store at Offutt Air Force Base resembles any department store, with prominent displays of name-brand makeup, Nike fitness gear and Carter’s clothes for kids.

— Washington Post, "Honorably discharged veterans will soon get to shop tax-free," 20 July 2017
In a sea of suits and blazers, Henderson can be spotted wearing T-shirts with sassy slogans, glittery makeup and winged, butterfly eyelashes.

— kansascity, "KC triple threat Brie Henderson gears up for a not-so-crappy Fringe Fest," 19 July 2017
Game two was the makeup from the rainout in Aberdeen on July 6.

— randy mcroberts, The Aegis, "Aberdeen sees first double-header action and splits in Lowell," 18 July 2017

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

makeup Synonyms

Synonyms

cosmetics, maquillage, paint, war 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

First Known Use of make up

14th century

make up Synonyms

Synonyms

compose, comprise, form, constitute

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