cosmetic

American  

[koz-met-ik] / kɒzˈmɛt ɪk /

noun

1. a powder, lotion, lipstick, rouge, or other preparation for beautifying the face, skin, hair, nails, etc.

2. cosmetics, superficial measures to make something appear better, more attractive, or more impressive.

   The budget committee opted for cosmetics instead of a serious urban renewal plan.

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adjective

1. serving to beautify; imparting or improving beauty, especially of the face.

2. used or done superficially to make something look better, more attractive, or more impressive.

   Alterations in the concert hall were only cosmetic and did nothing to improve the acoustics.

cosmetic British  

/ kɒzˈmɛtɪk /

noun

1. any preparation applied to the body, esp the face, with the intention of beautifying it

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adjective

1. serving or designed to beautify the body, esp the face

2. having no other function than to beautify

   cosmetic illustrations in a book

3. derogatory designed to cover up a greater flaw or deficiency; superficial

   their resignation is a cosmetic exercise

Other Word Forms

• anticosmetics adjective
• cosmetically adverb
• cosmeticology noun

Etymology

Origin of cosmetic

1595–1605; < Greek kosmētikós relating to adornment, equivalent to kosmēt ( ós ) adorned, arranged (verbid of kosmeîn, derivative of kósmos order, arrangement) + -ikos -ic

Explanation

Cosmetic refers to how something or someone looks. Visit the cosmetics department of a store if you are looking to buy lipstick, and visit a cosmetic surgeon if you are looking to buy new lips. The word cosmetic has to do with beauty and appearance. Cosmetic surgery makes someone look better, but isn't necessary medically, like heart surgery. A cosmetic change to a building only changes the building’s appearance. Cosmetic often means the same as decorative or ornamental. Also, cosmetics are items used to adorn, especially women, such as nail polish, lipstick, and eyeliner. All uses of cosmetic have to do with what's on the outside, not what's on the inside.

Example Sentences

“Some of those fixed dramatic horizontal lines do become worse because people are literally spending hours on their phone and looking down,” said Dr. Melanie Palm, a cosmetic dermatologist based in Solana Beach, Calif.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

They also produced dark or metallic finishes, limiting the range of cosmetic options.

From Science Daily • Mar. 26, 2026

"Meanwhile, various cosmetic products, which are renowned for their quality and affordable prices, can be imported from the DPRK," he added, using the initials of the North's official name.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

He was steadfast that all he was doing was helping, that the objections were cosmetic, and overblown.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

His black hair was slicked back, his face whitened with a cosmetic, and he carried a cocktail shaker.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

Related Words

• corrective
• superficial