touch-up

1 of 2

noun

: an act or instance of touching up

touch up

2 of 2

verb

touched up; touching up; touches up

transitive verb

1
: to improve or perfect by small additional strokes or alterations : fix the minor and usually visible defects or damages of
2
: to stimulate by or as if by a flick of a whip

Examples of touch-up 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.
Noun
Keeping a spray bottle of all-purpose cleaner along with a clean, dry cloth hidden away in the bath can make quick (inconspicuous) work of your mid-party touch-up. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 9 July 2025 The system also supports ride-on edge mowing, ensuring that borders and corners are perfectly trimmed without the need for post-mowing touch-ups. William Jones, USA Today, 9 July 2025
Verb
Out on the balcony a painter was at work touching up the facade, a small hedge against the decay. Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 13 July 2025 Tap Secret Mattifying Dry Shampoo Powder in your purse, travel cosmetic bag, or work tote to touch up greasy or flat hair on the go. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for touch-up

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1733, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of touch-up was in 1656

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Touch-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/touch-up. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

touch-up

1 of 2 noun
ˈtəch-ˌəp
: an act or instance of touching up

touch up

2 of 2 verb
(ˈ)təch-ˈəp
: to improve by or as if by small changes : fix the little imperfections of
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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