eyeliner

American

[ahy-lahy-ner] / ˈaɪˌlaɪ nər /

noun

a cosmetic for the eyelids, usually applied in a thin line close to the lashes to accentuate the eyes.

eyeliner British

/ ˈaɪˌlaɪnə /

noun

a cosmetic used to outline the eyes

"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

Etymology

Origin of eyeliner

First recorded in 1955–60; eye + liner ¹

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.

Hints of pink eye shadow, dark eyeliner, red pigmented eyebrows and crimson lipstick complete the transformation — the next “national treasure” has taken the stage.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

Her tousled hair and bold eyeliner set fashion trends worldwide, while her performances cemented Bardot as a cinematic trailblazer.

From BBC • Dec. 28, 2025

Long, black spidery lashes and black eyeliner frame her pale blue eyes, intensifying their iciness.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 8, 2025

Zelenskyy should take the first flight to D.C. — and arrive at the West Wing clad in Tom Ford, with a dash of eyeliner for good measure.

From Salon • Nov. 23, 2025

And then they tell me I have to wear eyeliner, which I absolutely detest.

From "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" by Becky Albertalli

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