cos·met·ic
käz-ˈme-tik 
1
: of, relating to, or making for beauty especially of the complexion : beautifying
cosmetic salves
2
: done or made for the sake of appearance: such as
a
: correcting defects especially of the face
cosmetic surgery
b
c
: not substantive : superficial
cosmetic changes
3
: visually appealing
: something that is cosmetic: such as
a
: a cosmetic preparation for external use
b
cosmetics plural
: superficial features
… a poem without rhetorical cosmetics …—
Guy Davenport
Guy DavenportExamples of cosmetic in a Sentence
Adjective
Almond oil is sometimes used in cosmetic products.
medical procedures that are done for cosmetic purposes
The changes were purely cosmetic.
Noun
Use a cosmetic to hide the scar.
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Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Grade A condition means there could be light cosmetic blemishes on the case.
—Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 10 Mar. 2026
Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 12 Mar. 2026
Clothing, cosmetics and medicines Petrochemicals also appear in many everyday consumer goods.
—André O. Hudson, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2026
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Adjective
Several cosmetic improvements were made to give it a more tranquil feel, including the unique rock walls added to the facility’s seven treatment rooms.
—Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Grade A condition means there could be light cosmetic blemishes on the case.
—Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
In addition to Lauder, who is the great-granddaughter of cosmetics giant Estée Lauder, Act 4 Artists is run by Casey Hanley and Steven Sachs, who serve as co-heads of development and production, and Camila Keller Sarmiento, head of event programming and creative producer.
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 12 Mar. 2026
Clothing, cosmetics and medicines Petrochemicals also appear in many everyday consumer goods.
—André O. Hudson, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
Cite this Entry
“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmetic. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cosmetic
1 of 2 noun
cos·met·ic
käz-ˈmet-ik
: a preparation (as a cream, lotion, or powder) used to improve a person's appearance
cosmetic
2 of 2 adjective
: intended to improve a person's appearance
Medical Definition
cosmetic
1 of 2 noun
cos·met·ic
käz-ˈmet-ik
: a cosmetic preparation for external use
cosmetic
2 of 2 adjective1
: of, relating to, or making for beauty especially of the complexion
cosmetic salves
2
: correcting defects especially of the face
cosmetic surgery
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