mascara

noun

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web And be sure to swipe on a few coats of Maybelline's volumizing mascara for a dramatic finishing touch. Lisa Desantis, Allure, 14 Mar. 2023 During healing, avoid using eye makeup like mascara. Susan Brickell, Health, 9 Mar. 2023 This bright Pat McGrath mascara comes in blue, aquamarine, and hot pink. Harper's Bazaar Staff, Harper's BAZAAR, 7 Mar. 2023 Boy Brow perfects her arches, Saie’s mascara coats her lashes, and Tom Ford’s warm brown-hued gloss accentuates her pout. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 31 Jan. 2023 Whipped Oil Body Cream is on sale for less than $40, while this Sephora brand mascara is discounted to $7. Billboard Staff, Billboard, 21 Nov. 2022 Finally, a coat of mascara, a swipe of clear Fenty Beauty gloss, and a generous spritz of face mist provide the finishing touches. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2023 The series shows Chamberlain running around the brand's headquarters, traipsing through Paris, and testing out all of Lancôme's cutting-edge technology to find her perfect foundation shade, new favorite mascara, and exact skincare needs. Jenna Rosenstein, Harper's BAZAAR, 12 Jan. 2023 Despite being roughly the size of a tube of mascara or classroom marker, this skincare device packs a powerful punch. Tatjana Freund, ELLE, 9 Nov. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mascara.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near mascara

Cite this Entry

“Mascara.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mascara. Accessed 31 Mar. 2023.

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

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