cosmetic

American  

[koz-met-ik] / kɒzˈmɛt ɪk /

noun

• cosmetics
  plural

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

Derived Forms

• cosmeticology
  noun
• anticosmetics
  adjective
• cosmetically
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• cosmetics
  plural

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

See Examples For:

cosmetic cosmetics

Consumer-goods manufacturers, including Avon Products and Johnson & Johnson, have turned to bankruptcy court in recent years to deal with an avalanche of lawsuits alleging that cosmetic talc caused cancer.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026

The fact that it outlived “The Swan” by several years only enhanced its role in mainstreaming elective cosmetic surgery.

From Salon ● Oct. 1, 2026

"It's not just a cosmetic operation where you have body confidence benefits, you might also be able to do activities and exercise more. There's also the potential impact on back and neck issues," says Hawkins.

From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2026

Most purely cosmetic surgery is paid for out of pocket, as Medicare generally doesn’t cover procedures performed solely for cosmetic purposes.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 5, 2026

He had already told Nigel many times that Nigerian cooking was not cosmetic, with all that pounding.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

In 2020, Dollar General chased higher-income suburbanites by launching Popshelf, a brand selling discretionary items like party supplies and cosmetics under $5.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2026

The list also reaches into the everyday commerce that binds the two economies, including cheese, seafood and cosmetics.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2026

It is common for cosmetics to be a source of stability for luxury brands, providing higher profit margins and an accessible entry point for consumers.

From BBC ● Sep. 2, 2026

Companies are also protecting profit margins through productivity measures, and leaning on tariff refunds to weather rising costs, according to Lauren Lieberman, an equity research analyst at Barclays covering cosmetics, beverages and personal-care companies.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 31, 2026

The cosmetics department enfolded her in perfume, and she read hungrily the labels and the promise.

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison

Related Words

• corrective
• superficial