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

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "We are taking action to crack down on cosmetic cowboys and root out dangerous practices."

From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026

His outsider credentials are cosmetic, for a start.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 20, 2026

Her case is just one of an increasing number of failed -- sometimes fatal -- procedures in Central Asia, where cosmetic surgery is experiencing a social media-propelled boom.

From Barron's ● Jul. 17, 2026

It’s $80 for the base game and $100 for the “ultimate” version, which comes with a bunch of cosmetic items.

From Salon ● Jul. 13, 2026

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

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

AI allows Simhony to quickly create a range of characters and content for clients such as Korean cosmetics brand Jumiso as well as startups promoting the same kinds of AI tools she uses, she said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026

Targeted inspections across the EU in 2025 found over 60 percent of imported items like toys, cosmetics and electronics had banned ingredients, missing labels or absent safety paperwork.

From Barron's ● Jun. 30, 2026

They found Murrell had used charge cards, bank transfers and fake invoices to illicitly purchase items including jewellery, cosmetics, stationery, and games consoles.

From BBC ● Jun. 23, 2026

The trimarans will deliver goods from pharmaceuticals to wine and cosmetics.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 22, 2026

Pam is standing there, with her hair all frosted pink to match the pink jacket they make all the cosmetics ladies at Awkworth & Ames wear.

From "The Misfits" by James Howe

Related Words

• corrective
• superficial