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
This might include small touch-ups like painting a door, adding a thrifted shelf to an empty corner, or painting the ceiling in a contrasting color. Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 14 Jan. 2026 The Kansas City Chiefs tight end, 36, has been keeping up with his signature look and recently went to Los Angeles barber Vince Garcia for a touch-up on his buzz cut. Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
Add replacement components as needed, touch up paint, and reinforce weakened areas. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 28 Dec. 2025 While Juan took in upholstery work, Deyla worked at a photography studio, continuing to touch up photos. Richard J. Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Nov. 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 15 Jan. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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