complexion

noun

com·​plex·​ion kəm-ˈplek-shən 

1

: the combination of the hot, cold, moist, and dry qualities held in medieval physiology to determine the quality of a body

2

a

: an individual complex of ways of thinking or feeling

b

: a complex of attitudes and inclinations

3

: the hue or appearance of the skin and especially of the face

a dark complexion

4

: overall aspect or character

by changing the complexion of the legislative branch

—Trevor Armbrister

complexional

kəm-ˈplek-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

complexioned

kəm-ˈplek-shənd 

adjective

Synonyms

• color
• coloring

Examples of complexion in a Sentence

She has a dark complexion.

All of the children had healthy complexions.

The complexion of the neighborhood has changed over the years.

Recent Examples on the Web

The tea tree oil is there to soothe and reduce inflammation, while mild acids encourage gentle exfoliation to reveal a smooth and healthy-looking complexion. —Denise Primbet, Glamour, 28 Feb. 2025

This facial steamer uses micro-steam technology to open your pores and hydrate skin for a glowing, radiant complexion in just 10 minutes. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 28 Feb. 2025

In order to achieve a flawless, glowing complexion, Scarlett used facial cleansers, mists, hydrating masks and moisturizers. —Alison Escalante, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025

The suspect has a medium build, facial hair and light complexion. —Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 26 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English complexioun "(of substances, parts of the body, or persons) constitution or nature resulting from a combination of the four humors, healthy disposition, facial color taken as indicating the proportion of humors, (in general) constitution, nature," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French complexion, complection "humor, combination of humors, physical constitution or nature, facial color" borrowed from Medieval Latin complexiōn-, complexiō "combination of humors or other elements, constitution, temperament," going back to Latin, "action of circling, combination, collection," from complector, complectī "to embrace, grasp, encompass, include" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at complex entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing complexion

• peaches and cream complexion
• put a new/different complexion on

Rhymes for complexion

• abjection
• advection
• affection
• bijection
• bisection
• collection
• confection
• connection
• connexion
• convection
• correction
• defection

Kids Definition

complexion

noun

com·​plex·​ion kəm-ˈplek-shən 

1

: the hue or appearance of the skin and especially of the face

has a dark complexion

2

: general appearance : character

information that changes the whole complexion of a situation

complexioned

-shənd 

adjective

Medical Definition

complexion

noun

com·​plex·​ion kəm-ˈplek-shən 

1

: the combination of the hot, cold, moist, and dry qualities held in medieval physiology to determine the quality of a body

2

: the hue or appearance of the skin and especially of the face

a dark complexion

complexioned

-shənd 

adjective