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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Keydra Manns, Essence, 20 Mar. 2025
Galán echoes this, praising the normalization of cosmetic procedures via Instagram and reality television, while also emphasizing the importance of not losing sight of the internal work required.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2025
Laurie Brookins, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2025
Sea buckthorn extracts, on the other hand, are often used for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as well as in cosmetics, cleansers, moisturizers, serums, shampoos, and conditioners.
—Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
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Adjective
There was once a time when the idea of flying to another country for a cosmetic procedure would raise eyebrows.
—Keydra Manns, Essence, 20 Mar. 2025
Galán echoes this, praising the normalization of cosmetic procedures via Instagram and reality television, while also emphasizing the importance of not losing sight of the internal work required.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
But this is the brand’s first foray into lipsticks, eye palettes and other cosmetics.
—Laurie Brookins, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2025
Sea buckthorn extracts, on the other hand, are often used for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as well as in cosmetics, cleansers, moisturizers, serums, shampoos, and conditioners.
—Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
Cite this Entry
“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmetic. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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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