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

For a full Dior complexion, pair this with one of the Dior Forever Foundations like Skin Glow, which comes in the same shades. —Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 23 Dec. 2024

The ingredient is featured at a 1.3% concentration (most serums range from 0.5% to 2%) to improve the skin’s moisture levels for a bouncier complexion. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024

The two bear a passing resemblance to each other as men with white complexions, beards, and brown hair. —Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 Dec. 2024

Using the best cleanser for mature skin could make all the difference in maintaining a healthy, glowing complexion for years to come. —Jordan Galloway, SELF, 12 Dec. 2024

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

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