kohl

¹ American  

[kohl] / koʊl /

noun

1. a powder, as finely powdered antimony sulfide, used as a cosmetic to darken the eyelids, eyebrows, etc.

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Kohl ² American  

[kohl] / koʊl /

noun

1. Helmut 1930–2017, German political leader: chancellor of West Germany (1982–90); chancellor of Germany 1990–98.

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Kohl ¹ British  

/ kəʊl /

noun

1. Helmut (ˈhɛlmuːt). born 1930, German statesman: chancellor of West Germany (1982–90) and of Germany (1990–98)

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kohl ² British  

/ kəʊl /

noun

1. a cosmetic powder used, originally esp in Muslim and Asian countries, to darken the area around the eyes. It is usually powdered antimony sulphide

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Etymology

Origin of kohl

1790–1800; < Arabic kohl, variant of kuhl. See alcohol

Example Sentences

They were MTV staples for grimy videos like “Breathe” and “Firestarter,” where the dual-mohawked singer/dancer Keith Flint skulked around an empty subway tunnel, sneering in kohl eyeliner and an American flag sweater.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2025

The same goes for surma, another rendition of kohl that’s commonly worn by Muslim men in South Asian countries.

From Salon • Dec. 8, 2023

As readers twist open their liner applicator, they’ll be reminded of the Wodaabe men who wear kohl to enhance their appearance and attract a partner in a ritual ceremony.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 8, 2023

That makeup could be soft and androgynous — think David Bowie, with his celestially iridescent, pink-lidded appearances as Ziggy Stardust — or it could be tough: Lou Reed in black lipstick and kohl.

From New York Times • May 10, 2021

She uses a kohl pencil to mark Claudine's face.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton