beauty

[byoo-tee]

noun

plural

beauties 

1. the quality present in a thing or person that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind, whether arising from sensory manifestations (as shape, color, sound, etc.), a meaningful design or pattern, or something else (as a personality in which high spiritual qualities are manifest).

   Synonyms: allure, attractiveness, pulchritude

2. a beautiful person, especially a woman.

   Synonyms: belle

3. treatments and products that enhance a person’s physical attractiveness, or the industry associated with this.

   She left her career in business administration to pursue her passion in beauty and wellness.

4. a beautiful thing, as a work of art or a building.

5. Often beauties. a beautiful feature or trait in nature or in some natural or artificial environment.

   the rugged beauties of our seashore and mountains.

6. an individually pleasing or beautiful quality; grace; charm.

   a vivid blue area that is the one real beauty of the painting.

7. Informal.,  a particular advantage.

   One of the beauties of this medicine is the freedom from aftereffects.

8. (often used ironically) someone or something that is extraordinary, remarkable, or amazing; a beaut.

   That sunburn is a real beauty!

9. something excellent of its kind.

   My old car, now she was a beauty.

adjective

1. relating to or being something intended to enhance a person’s physical attractiveness: Make time for yourself and book a relaxing beauty treatment in our first-class spa.

   They have a wonderful handcrafted line of natural beauty products, including soaps, lip balm, scented oils, and moisturizer.

   Make time for yourself and book a relaxing beauty treatment in our first-class spa.

beauty

/ ˈbjuːtɪ /

noun

1. the combination of all the qualities of a person or thing that delight the senses and please the mind

2. a very attractive and well-formed girl or woman

3. informal,  an outstanding example of its kind

   the horse is a beauty

4. informal,  an advantageous feature

   one beauty of the job is the short hours

5. informal,  a light-hearted and affectionate term of address

   hello, my old beauty!

interjection

1. Also (Scot, Austral, and NZ): you beauty. an expression of approval or agreement

Other Word Forms

• nonbeauty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of beauty¹

First recorded in 1225–75; Middle English be(a)ute, from Old French beaute; replacing Middle English bealte, from Old French beltet, from unattested Vulgar Latin bellitāt- (stem of unattested bellitās ), equivalent to Latin bell(us) “fine” + -itāt- noun suffix; -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of beauty¹

C13: from Old French biauté , from biau beautiful; see _beau

Idioms and Phrases

• that's the beauty of

Example Sentences

The experience of bikepacking around Catalina Island was more than I had expected — both in its natural beauty and in its surprises.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

She had her eye on the annual beauty product advent calendar from the London-based brand Liberty, which retails for $365, but decided against it due to the tariffs.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It is a coded composite, a computerized ideal of cinematic beauty.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He said the hall had "recaptured its beauty and dignity" and would inspire visitors, host events and support the health and recovery of patients and staff.

Read more on BBC

The plaza hosts clothing stores and beauty salons, catering for weddings and other special occasions.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• allure 
• charm 
• delicacy 
• elegance 
• good looks 
• grace 
• refinement 
• style