makeup

noun

make·up | \ ˈmāk-ˌəp

Definition of makeup

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : 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.

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

b : design or layout of printed matter

3a(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

make up

verb

made up; making up; makes up

Definition of make up (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to form by fitting together or assembling make up a train of cars

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

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

b : constitute, compose 10 chapters make up this volume

3a : 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

6a : to prepare in physical appearance for a role

b : to apply cosmetics to

7a : 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

2a : 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

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

b : to apply cosmetics

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about makeup

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Examples of makeup in a Sentence

Noun

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.

Verb

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 on the Web: Noun

On the social media platform, The Truth Hurts rapper flaunts her bootylicious body, flamboyant makeup, and fly hairstyles and her newest ‘do is sure to inspire. — Jennifer Ford, Essence, "We Can't Stop Staring At Lizzo's New Hair," 17 Sep. 2019 Be public about the non-food rewards for your efforts to give other people more ideas — like a manicure, facial, makeup, or concert ticket Madelyn Fernstrom, Ph.D. is the NBC News Health Editor. — Madelyn Fernstrom, NBC News, "Dr. Fernstrom: Do you have a "food frenemy"?," 16 Sep. 2019 Voters tend to remember the latest releases and the showiest work (accents, makeup, illness). — Hal Boedeker, orlandosentinel.com, "‘Hustlers’: Jennifer Lopez does her best work," 14 Sep. 2019 That tinkering synth riff intro is iconic to the new wave movement and everything that would become '80s culture (read: overgrown bangs, severe eye-makeup, computers). — Kat Bein, Billboard, "Oliver Heldens & Riton Sample Yazoo Classic For 'Turn Me On': Exclusive," 12 Sep. 2019 And so four nights a week, through six shows, each with five costume changes, Darcelle goes all the way: full makeup, ornate often heavy gowns and big jewelry. — oregonlive, "Darcelle is finally having her Portland moment," 10 Sep. 2019 The highly unusual physical characteristics of the clown—the wig, the red nose, the makeup, the odd clothing—only magnify the uncertainty of what the clown might do next. — Frank T. Mcandrew, Quartzy, "The psychology behind why we find clowns so creepy," 6 Sep. 2019 Painted with ghastly white and red makeup, able to change shape at will, and armed with rows of sharp teeth, Pennywise is a deliberate blank who just so happens to favor a particularly chilling form. — David Sims, The Atlantic, "It Chapter Two Is a Blockbuster Horror Epic," 3 Sep. 2019 Makeup, face paint, brushes and makeup remover will be provided, or attendees can bring their own products from eye shadow to foundation, to test out illusion looks on their own faces, legs or arms. — Lindsay Weinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, "Kanye West's Hair Colorist and Ezra Miller's Makeup Artist to Lead Creative Workshops," 30 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Army Green Berets have made up the highest number of Americans dead this year, with nine killed in combat. — BostonGlobe.com, "WASHINGTON — An American special forces soldier was killed in eastern Afghanistan on Monday, according to Defense Department officials, a little more than a week after President Trump called off peace negotiations with the Taliban.," 17 Sep. 2019 But corn flour, potato starch, and cornstarch make up the second, third, and fourth ingredients. — Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health.com, "5 Trader Joe's New Products to Try This Fall," 17 Sep. 2019 More than once, Sané made up ground while tracking back to stop breakaways just as players crashed into the box, sliding through clearances or forcing attackers to slow down and peel off to set up a play. — Julia Poe, Pro Soccer USA, "Three things we learned from Orlando City’s 3-3 draw with the New England Revolution," 17 Sep. 2019 According to the National Conference of State Legislators, women make up 15.7 percent of the state legislators in Alabama. — al, "Alabama women mobilize for the 2020 election," 16 Sep. 2019 As a result, pedestrians make up a growing share of traffic deaths. — Los Angeles Times, "Pedestrians die every 90 minutes in the U.S., and low-income areas are hurt most," 16 Sep. 2019 But what the filmmakers lacked in funding, industry partners can make up for in grants, representation, distribution and connections. — Alexandra Del Rosario, The Hollywood Reporter, "Emerging Latinx and Hispanic Filmmakers on "Fighting the Good Fight" in Short Films," 15 Sep. 2019 A dozen soldiers led by Harris, a veteran of peacekeeping missions in Bosnia and Kosovo, made up Agribusiness Development Team 2. — Sig Christenson, ExpressNews.com, "After 18 years, Texas veterans wonder how long U.S. can stay in Afghanistan," 15 Sep. 2019 And with 160 sales for the electric iPace, the pair of SUVs made up more than half of Jaguar’s August sales of 2,128. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "550-hp Jaguar F-Pace SVR: all claws, fangs and growl in a velvet coat," 15 Sep. 2019

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.