makeup

1 of 2

noun

make·​up ˈmāk-ˌəp How to pronounce makeup (audio)
variants or less commonly make-up
plural makeups also make-ups
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

make up

2 of 2

verb

made up; making up; makes 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Similar to how Pugh swiped liner above and across her upper eyelid for a bold and otherworldly look, this is your sign to be daring and experimental with your makeup. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 8 Dec. 2024 Two roomy compartments, a zippered middle section, and a small pocket under the front clasp mean plenty of storage options to divide up essentials like a wallet and keys and makeup or perfume. Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 7 Dec. 2024
Verb
The majority of Miami-Dade County residents are Hispanic and Cuban Americans make up the largest percentage of that demographic, according to the U.S. Census. Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 8 Dec. 2024 The official said police believe the name on the ID was made up and does not belong to anyone else. Alex Sundby, CBS News, 7 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for makeup 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1821, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of makeup was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near makeup

Cite this Entry

“Makeup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/makeup. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

makeup

1 of 2 noun
make·​up ˈmā-ˌkəp How to pronounce makeup (audio)
1
: the way the parts or elements of something are put together : composition
the makeup of a newspaper
2
a
: any of various cosmetics (as lipstick or powder)
b
: materials (as wigs or cosmetics) used in making up
put on makeup for a play
too young to wear makeup

make up

2 of 2 verb
(ˈ)mā-ˈkəp
1
: to form by fitting together or assembling
make up a suit
make up a train
2
: compose sense 1b
chapters make up a book
3
: to make good for something lacking or for a loss or injury
4
: decide sense 3, settle
made up my mind to go
5
a
: to create from the imagination : invent
make up a story
b
: to set in order
rooms are made up daily
6
: to become friendly again
they fought and made up
7
a
: to put on costumes or makeup (as for a play)
made up as a clown
b
: to apply cosmetics to

More from Merriam-Webster on makeup

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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