cosmetic

1 of 2

adjective

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

: decorative, ornamental

c

: not substantive : superficial

cosmetic changes

3

: visually appealing

cosmetically

käz-ˈme-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

cosmetic

2 of 2

noun

: 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

Synonyms

Adjective

• adorning
• beautifying
• decorative
• embellishing
• ornamental

Examples 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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Danielle Noguera, President of the cosmetic dental practice, stated that Meech dealt with many teeth issues due to his time in prison. —Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 5 Nov. 2024

Teresa Giudice is letting fans inside her cosmetic treatments. —Michelle Lee, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024

Noun

Variations on that theme dominated the runway, with dense, glittering embroideries on evening columns, sculptural cocktail dresses, jumpsuits and cropped jackets, all teasing color cosmetics, a category that the brand has yet to introduce. —Jennifer Weil, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024

In fact, this ultra-fine mist is developed to boost the radiance of your look, thanks to its thin, vinyl-like veil of polymers that transparently hold cosmetics in place while still feeling breathable on skin. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Greek kosmētikos skilled in adornment, from kosmein to arrange, adorn, from kosmos order

First Known Use

Adjective

1638, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1650, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cosmetic

• cosmetic case
• cosmetic surgery

Kids 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 adjective

1

: of, relating to, or making for beauty especially of the complexion

cosmetic salves

2

: correcting defects especially of the face

cosmetic surgery

cosmetically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb