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
The mogul then posted a clip of herself poking fun at her look while getting final touch-ups of her face mask from her glam team at the Academy Museum gala. Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025 Beyond its striking design, the refillable clutch is a practical, on-the-go companion, perfect for effortless touch-ups anytime, anywhere. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
Several people milled around, neatening the area, touching up Cage’s makeup. Susan Orlean, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2025 If all else fails, buy a small can of paint for touching up stubborn stains. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 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 20 Oct. 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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