cosmetology

American

[koz-mi-tol-uh-jee] / ˌkɒz mɪˈtɒl ə dʒi /

noun

the art or profession of applying cosmetics.

cosmetology British

/ ˌkɒzmɛˈtɒlədʒɪ /

noun

the work of beauty therapists, including hairdressing, facials, manicures, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of cosmetology

1850–55; < Greek kosmētó ( s ) adorned, arranged ( see cosmetic) + -logy, apparently modeled on French cosmétologie

Vocabulary lists containing cosmetology

Elements of the Universe: Cosm, Cosmo ("Universe")

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Now, she’s excited by cosmetology and intends to support herself one day as a hair stylist.

From Salon • Apr. 29, 2026

So as soon as she pulled away to meet a cosmetology client, he planted a white plastic folding chair in the middle of the empty spot.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

She started at cosmetology school, but didn’t finish because the fumes from acrylic nails sent her to the hospital, she said.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 19, 2025

He said he likes to focus on the "positive aspects" of life and is getting ready to go to college to study cosmetology.

From BBC • Oct. 11, 2025

Using her small inheritance, my mother enrolled in cosmetology school.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023