makeup

American  

[meyk-uhp] / ˈmeɪkˌʌp /

Or make-up

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.

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Other Word Forms

• nonmakeup
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of makeup

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

Explanation

Your makeup is the sum of what makes you who you are, or the sum of what you smear on your face! You could say that your makeup is a combination of your parents' genes. Or, you could wear cosmetic makeup to accentuate those physical traits. Your makeup is every personality characteristic that, combined, form a unique person — but the makeup you put on your face can be used to disguise your real self a little bit. This kind of makeup is also called cosmetics, and it consists of things like lipstick, mascara, foundation, and so on. This meaning of makeup has been in use since the 1880s, a period when Queen Victoria declared it vulgar, only appropriate for stage actors.

Example Sentences

Makeup can also contain synthetic preservatives that are also based on petroleum.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

Makeup and a clean suit can do wonders.

From Salon • Jan. 23, 2026

Makeup influencer Amy Loring said the labelling system was "frustrating" but for some could be "life threatening".

From BBC • Jul. 12, 2025

Makeup artist Nadia Stacey credited Lanthimos for letting her team “go crazy,” while costume designer Holly Waddington described the film as an “experiment like no other.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2024

“Don’t you have a Makeup Addicts Anonymous meeting to get to?”

From "Made You Up" by Francesca Zappia

Related Words

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