complexion

noun

com·​plex·​ion kəm-ˈplek-shən How to pronounce complexion (audio)
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 branchTrevor Armbrister
complexional
kəm-ˈplek-shnəl How to pronounce complexion (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
adjective
complexioned adjective

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
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.
On the contrary, those cast as the leads had light-skin, dark-skin, and every complexion in between. Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 6 Feb. 2025 But now, the complexion of the Lakers’ season and foundation has been shaken, with the franchise set to usher in a new era led by Doncic. Khobi Price, Orange County Register, 3 Feb. 2025 However, the success of what many Latinos consider a 21st-century minstrel show (complete with a European protagonist’s fair complexion conspicuously darkened to play Mexican) lies not in artistic license but a kind of cinematic arbitrage. Giancarlo Sopo, IndieWire, 3 Feb. 2025 Cosmetics to launch the brand's new complexion holy grail, Halo Glow Powder Filter — an ultra-fine pressed powder that blurs the appearance of skin and reduces shine for a soft-focus glow. Catherine Santino, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for complexion 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of complexion was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near complexion

Cite this Entry

“Complexion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complexion. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

complexion

noun
com·​plex·​ion kəm-ˈplek-shən How to pronounce complexion (audio)
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 adjective

Medical Definition

complexion

noun
com·​plex·​ion kəm-ˈplek-shən How to pronounce complexion (audio)
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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on complexion

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