beauty contest

American  

noun

1. a competition in which the entrants, usually women, are judged as to physical beauty and sometimes personality and talent, with the winners awarded prizes or titles.

2. Informal. any contest, election, etc., that is decided on the basis of popularity.

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beauty contest British  

noun

1. a competition in which the participants, usually women, are judged on their attractiveness, with a prize, and often a title, awarded to the winner

2. informal any contest decided on the basis of superficial attractiveness, popularity, etc

   the referendum might turn into a party political beauty contest

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Etymology

Origin of beauty contest

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

beauty contest

The Seleção played free-flowing, artistic soccer, turning the game into a beauty contest as much as a cutthroat competition en route to lifting the trophy a record five times.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 5, 2026

She accepted there was still a tension between what was perceived by many as a beauty contest and shunning body stereotypes, but urges a different outlook on the contest.

From BBC ● Aug. 3, 2024

Westminster has long faced protests from animal rights activists who view the competition as a deplorable canine beauty contest fueling faddish puppy buying and reckless breeding.

From Seattle Times ● May 10, 2024

A beauty contest to select Miss Grand Central Air Terminal 1947 in Glendale wound up with only 10 contestants.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2023

I started to untie Old Dan but, taking a closer look at him, I could see he could never win a beauty contest.

From "Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls