make-up
Britishnoun
-
cosmetics, such as powder, lipstick, etc, applied to the face to improve its appearance
-
-
the cosmetics, false hair, etc, used by an actor to highlight his features or adapt his appearance
-
the art or result of applying such cosmetics
-
-
the manner of arrangement of the parts or qualities of someone or something
-
the arrangement of type matter and illustrations on a page or in a book
-
mental or physical constitution
verb
-
(tr) to form or constitute
these arguments make up the case for the defence
-
(tr) to devise, construct, or compose, sometimes with the intent to deceive
to make up a song
to make up an excuse
-
(tr) to supply what is lacking or deficient in; complete
these extra people will make up our total
-
(tr) to put in order, arrange, or prepare
to make up a bed
-
to compensate or atone (for)
his kindness now makes up for his rudeness yesterday
-
to settle (differences) amicably (often in the phrase make it up )
-
to apply cosmetics to (the face) to enhance one's appearance or so as to alter the appearance for a theatrical role
-
to assemble (type and illustrations) into (columns or pages)
-
(tr) to surface (a road) with asphalt, concrete, etc
-
(tr)
-
to set in order and balance (accounts)
-
to draw up (accounting statements)
-
-
to decide (about something or to do something)
he made up his mind to take vengeance
-
informal
-
to make friendly overtures to
-
to flirt with
-
-
Put together, construct or compose, as in The druggist made up the prescription , or The tailor said he could make up a suit from this fabric . This usage was first recorded in 1530.
-
Constitute, form, as in One hundred years make up a century . [Late 1500s]
-
Change one's appearance; apply cosmetics. For example, He made himself up as an old man . [c. 1800]
-
Devise a fiction or falsehood; invent. For example, Mary is always making up stories for her children , or Is that account true or did you make it up? This usage was first recorded in 1828.
-
Compensate for, provide for a deficiency, as in Can you make up the difference in the bill? or What he lacks in height he makes up in skill . This usage was first recorded in 1538. Also see make up for lost time .
-
Repeat a course, take a test or do an assignment at a later time because of previous absence or failure. For example, Steve will have to make up calculus this summer , or The professor is letting me make up the exam tomorrow .
-
Also, make it up . Resolve a quarrel, as in The Sweeneys argue a lot but they always make up before going to sleep , or Will you two ever make it up? The first usage was first recorded in 1699, the variant in 1669.
-
Put in order, as in We asked them to make up the room for us , or Can you make up another bed in this room? [Early 1800s] Also see the subsequent idioms beginning with make up .
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She also told me to identify the biggest sources of exposure in my home - change my cookware, use a water filter, switch cleaning products, check my make-up and hair-colouring and be wary of "waterproof" labels.
From BBC
After one of her make-up products "went viral" on social media, people assumed Zoe Trigwell was an overnight success and a millionaire.
From BBC
Dermatologists say no, but a growing number of companies are targeting a new generation of kids who have grown up with TikTok skincare and make-up routines.
From Barron's
Her meticulous hair and make-up is not what you might expect from an inmate.
From BBC
She praised her hair and make-up artist Jane Green for being ready, willing and able to dislodge the blockage by performing the Heimlich manoeuvre.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.