beauty contest

American  

noun

1. a competition in which the entrants, usually women, are judged as to physical beauty and sometimes personality and talent, with the winners awarded prizes or titles.

2. Informal. any contest, election, etc., that is decided on the basis of popularity.

---

beauty contest British  

noun

1. a competition in which the participants, usually women, are judged on their attractiveness, with a prize, and often a title, awarded to the winner

2. informal any contest decided on the basis of superficial attractiveness, popularity, etc

   the referendum might turn into a party political beauty contest

---

Etymology

Origin of beauty contest

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Born in Tunisia to Sicilian parents in April 1938, Cardinale won a beauty contest at 16 that saw her declared "the most beautiful Italian woman in Tunis".

From BBC • Sep. 23, 2025

Westminster has long faced protests from animal rights activists who view the competition as a deplorable canine beauty contest fueling faddish puppy buying and reckless breeding.

From Seattle Times • May 10, 2024

The annual beauty contest run by the Miss Universe Organisation, which was co-owned by Donald Trump between 1996 and 2002, is broadcast in 165 countries and has been running for 71 years.

From Reuters • Oct. 26, 2022

The article quoted Ulrich joking that a nearby town asked him to judge a women’s beauty contest during his first month as mayor: “They said I’d be impartial.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 21, 2022

In what book, chapter, and verse can we read about a winner of a beauty contest becoming a queen?

From "Wish" by Barbara O'Connor