lipstick

American  

[lip-stik] / ˈlɪpˌstɪk /

noun

1. a crayonlike oil-based cosmetic used in coloring the lips, usually in a tubular container.

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lipstick British  

/ ˈlɪpˌstɪk /

noun

1. a cosmetic for colouring the lips, usually in the form of a stick

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Etymology

Origin of lipstick

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80; lip + stick ¹

Explanation

Lipstick is makeup that makes your lips look darker, redder, or shinier. Your French teacher might be famous in your school for her heart-shaped glasses and bright pink lipstick. Some people like to wear lipstick every day, while others save it for fancy occasions. Most lipstick is a waxy, slightly creamy substance in a stick that's tinted with red pigment that colors your lips. It's a cosmetic that dates back at least to medieval times, and probably even farther back than that. In the 1600s, a fashionable look for upper class European women was a pale white face and bright red lipstick.

Example Sentences

Oil is used to make everything from lipstick to golf balls, which could eventually make them more expensive.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Lunch boxes, board games, dolls, lipstick, blankets, pillows, pinball machines.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

The model riffs on Bessette’s minimalist look, wearing red lipstick, a simple gray cardigan and black pants.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

The child they produced had different ideas and deep red lipstick is one of Wylie's trademarks.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

Seven’s mom would never let her wear lipstick and especially not black.

From "Witchlings" by Claribel A. Ortega

Related Words

• paint