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

He came to Longhua to pray for success in his job managing a livestream selling cosmetic products online.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 23, 2026

Castillo pledged Thursday to continue her focus on animals and cosmetic genetic engineering.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026

Though he still makes use of cosmetic procedures, he prefers to leave the smile lines around his eyes intact, taking the advice he often gives to his patients.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

Both series meet a cultural moment many middle-aged women would call miraculous, and pharmaceutical and cosmetic corporations would describe as profitable.

From Salon ● Jul. 26, 2026

I have been trying to interpret them as genuine weekends, as if, after spending the weekdays on futile and largely cosmetic labor, I had decided to volunteer to do something useful for a change.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich

Separately, the EBU revealed that Israeli cosmetics company Moroccan Oil had ended its sponsorship of Eurovision after six years.

From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026

Some cosmetics, medicines and supplements contain gelatin, animal fats, alcohol or other ingredients whose origins matter to observant consumers.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 12, 2026

The UK government regulates phthalates as hazardous chemical substances but they are used in cosmetics, fragrances and food packaging.

From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026

M.ph beauty, the cosmetics brand founded by celebrity makeup artist Mary Phillips, named former Set Active executive Kira Jackson as its new CMO.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 10, 2026

When I finally reached Machado’s Pharmacy, I headed straight for the cosmetics counter, where Doc Machado’s sister, Senora Garra, sat on a stool facing the front window.

From "The Red Umbrella" by Christina Gonzalez

Related Words

• corrective
• superficial