makeup

noun make·up \ ˈmāk-ˌəp \

|Updated on: 14 Jun 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

But these days, the 28-year-old influencer is posting more makeup-free gym selfies than cat eyes.

— blake bakkila, Health.com, "This Woman Credits Losing 65 Pounds in 5 Months to One Type of Diet," 5 June 2018
Davis said she and her teammates were also verbally harassed by Gary over their hair and makeup and their private social-media posts.

— michelle ruiz, Vanities, "“Crack Whores” and “Jelly Bellies”: A Former N.F.L. Cheerleader Reveals the Bullying and Body-Shaming Off the Field," 4 June 2018
Arranka, 33, works as a hair and makeup professional and has a YouTube channel for her music videos.

— susan dunne, courant.com, "Hartford Actress Part Of LGBT Film Fest's Spotlight On Trans Issues," 23 May 2018
Recently, Giraldelli had a makeup artist paint a birthmark on her face that was nearly identical to the baby boy’s, according to SWNS.

— caitlin keating, ajc, "Mom paints large birthmark on her face to match son: 'I have never treated him as different'," 22 May 2018
The group’s high energy, big hair and makeup certainly made an impression especially on the MTV generation.

— jessi virtusio, Daily Southtown, "Poison promises ‘Nothin’ But a Good Time’ in Tinley Park," 18 May 2018
During her three years on the Saintsations, Davis was required to show up to every practice with full hair and makeup done, because the team practiced in a public gym.

— kalyn kahler, SI.com, "NFL Cheerleading Can Still Be Saved," 10 May 2018
Brandi’s hair and makeup: Angel Anthony, Philadelphia.

— Philly.com, "Philadelphia weddings: Brandi Segers and Aliyah Wilds," 8 May 2018
Jenner documented some leisure time on her Instagram and Snapchat stories Monday (Apr. 23), relaxing makeup-free at her Calabasas home while snuggling up with baby Stormi.

— abby jones, Billboard, "Kylie Jenner Relaxes With Baby Stormi in Adorable New Photos," 24 Apr. 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

Most of their redactions and their claims of exemption are made up.

— joe guillen, Detroit Free Press, "John Engler involved in MSU misstep, emails show," 8 June 2018
Summit is made up of rows of black, refrigerator-size units that weigh a total of 340 tons and are housed in a 9,250 square-foot room.

— steve lohr, New York Times, "Move Over, China: U.S. Is Again Home to World’s Speediest Supercomputer," 8 June 2018
The group is made up of representatives from the three partnership agencies as well as the Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health and the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

— mike danahey, Elgin Courier-News, "Elgin-based doctor specializing in pain treatment part of federal task force on opioid abuse," 8 June 2018
The Tigers company is made up of Iowa, Syracuse, Boston College and Michigan State.

— alex schiffer, kansascity, "This week in Mizzou recruiting: Tray Jackson, Jack Buford, Michigan pipelines and more," 7 June 2018
Though Portugal is on their list, much of it is made up of destinations in lesser visited parts of Eastern Europe, such as the Baltics and the Balkans.

— phil marty, chicagotribune.com, "An adventurous cruise in the Pacific Northwest, top trips in Europe and more," 7 June 2018
Coral colonies are made up of soft-bodied animals called polyps, which (with the help of symbiotic algae) secrete thin layers of the mineral calcium carbonate.

— elizabeth svoboda, Scientific American, "Cores from Coral Reefs Hold Secrets of the Seas’ Past and Future," 6 June 2018
Without her presence, the 2018 list is entirely made up of men.

— jamie spain, PEOPLE.com, "See Which Sports Stars Top Forbes' List of Highest Paid Athletes, in a Group That Includes Zero Women," 6 June 2018
The border arrest figures are made up of people who are stopped at land crossings and other official points of entry, according to federal data.

— colleen long, azcentral, "US-Mexico border arrests exceed 50,000 in May for illegal crossings," 6 June 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