mascara

noun

mas·​cara ma-ˈsker-ə How to pronounce mascara (audio)
-ˈska-rə
Synonyms of mascaranext
: a cosmetic especially for making the eyelashes darker and more prominent
mascaraed
ma-ˈsker-əd How to pronounce mascara (audio)
-ˈska-rəd
adjective

Examples of mascara in a Sentence

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.
What immediately sets this mascara apart is the wand. Olivia Cefalu, InStyle, 26 Jan. 2026 Most mascaras are too wet on the first swipe, but this one is perfect from the get-go. Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 22 Jan. 2026 Whether to buy brown or black mascara has always felt like an impossible choice to me. Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 18 Jan. 2026 Smith will feature across the global marketing campaign for the new mascara beginning Thursday. Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mascara

Word History

Etymology

probably from Italian maschera mask

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mascara was in 1886

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mascara.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mascara. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

mascara

noun
mas·​cara ma-ˈskar-ə How to pronounce mascara (audio)
: a cosmetic especially for darkening the eyelashes

More from Merriam-Webster on mascara

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!