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
Her make-up artist appeared for a powder touch-up, and the show went on. Lindsey Underwood, Vanity Fair, 17 Apr. 2026 Keep one in your glove compartment for quick touch-ups before guests hop in. Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
Though the gag was as old as vaudeville itself, Johnson noticed that Berle began incorporating it on his show after she was stationed offstage with a powder puff and instructions to touch up the guests if needed. Chris Koseluk, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2026 Then, blow-dry with a round brush and touch up small sections with a one-inch-barrel curling iron. Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 7 Apr. 2026 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 25 Apr. 2026.

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
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