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

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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

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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

The discoloration is primarily cosmetic, but it may influence whether patients and families choose the treatment.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 26, 2026

There are no dedicated regulations around cosmetic procedures in Wales or Northern Ireland.

From BBC ● Oct. 20, 2026

One of its nurses recently quit to become a nurse practitioner, offering cosmetic treatments that patients often pay for in cash.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 20, 2026

Although reducing visible belly fat may appeal to patients for cosmetic reasons, researchers emphasize that the potential medical benefits could be more important.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 11, 2026

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

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Another man described an impressive record of completed orders, along with an ability to navigate cosmetics, feminine hygiene products and unfamiliar grocery aisles.

From Salon ● Oct. 25, 2026

The facilities produce raw materials used to make pharmaceuticals, clothing, cosmetics, detergents, construction materials and military explosives in the UK and Europe.

From BBC ● Sep. 22, 2026

Arnest, a Russian maker of perfume, cosmetics, and household products, also bought the Russian business of U.K. consumer-goods group Unilever in 2024.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026

Israeli settlements mainly export agricultural products, as well as wine, Dead Sea cosmetics and industrial products.

From Barron's ● Sep. 9, 2026

“Yeah. I might have to make this part of my skincare line. Shanticeuticals. I could do a whole cosmetics line for ethnic skin. The packaging would be killer! Sort of a henna tattoo thing?”

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray

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Related Words

• corrective
• superficial

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