makeup

Or make-up

[meyk-uhp]

noun

1. facial cosmetics, as eye shadow or lipstick.

2. cosmetics used on other parts of the body, as to cover birthmarks.

3. the application of cosmetics.

4. the ensemble or effect created by such application.

   Her makeup was subtle but very effective.

5. the total ensemble of cosmetics, wigs, costumes, etc., used by an actor or other performer.

6. the manner of being made up or put together; composition.

   the makeup of a team; the makeup of a situation.

7. physical or mental constitution.

   the makeup of a criminal.

8. the art, technique, or process of arranging or laying out, as pages in a publication.

9. the appearance of a page, book, newspaper, or the like, resulting from the arrangement and the variation in size and style of the printed elements.

   The makeup would be helped by a picture in this corner.

10. Printing.,  the arrangement of set type, cuts, etc., into columns or pages.

11. an examination, assignment, or the like, given to offset a student's previous absence or failure.

12. an amount owed; balance.

Other Word Forms

• nonmakeup adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of makeup¹

First recorded in 1805–15; noun use of verb phrase make up

Example Sentences

The beleaguered bride, in her dress, perspired through her makeup on a warm afternoon.

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Internally, industry staffers have flagged their own fears about the toxic makeup of engine oils.

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For six months, the actor spent more time in monster makeup than out of it, with muscled prosthetics layered onto his body and deep fissures painted onto his skin.

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On Facebook and elsewhere, buyers are venting about hundreds of dollars due on mouse pads, makeup and bridesmaid dresses.

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The show was nominated for only a single Emmy in its seven year run — one for makeup, which it won.

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Related Words

• content 
• design 
• formation 
• layout 
• setup 
• shape 
• style