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

Mailyan was the owner-operator of Healthy Way Medical Center, a clinic that claimed to provide beauty and cosmetic services, according to the Department of Justice press office.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 31, 2026

Players now have the ability to switch off controversial cosmetic changes, and Bahl says Modern Warfare 4 is a "return to form".

From BBC ● Oct. 22, 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

I do not think life anywhere else would look very much like a reptile, or an insect or a human— even with such minor cosmetic adjustments as green skin, pointy ears and antennae.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

"I worked in sales in Iran. I sold cosmetics," she tells BBC Panorama.

From BBC ● Nov. 2, 2026

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 Swiss maker of ingredients for the foods and cosmetics industries reported an 8.6% increase in quarterly like-for-like sales, which compares with consensus expectations of 4.7%.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2026

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

From Barron's ● Sep. 9, 2026

There, cross-legged on a square of jute, she recorded inventory for the cosmetics shop that her cousin Haldar owned and managed at the mouth of our courtyard.

From "Interpreter of Maladies" by Jhumpa Lahiri

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Related Words

• corrective
• superficial

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