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

The final swipe of lipstick that pulls the whole outfit together.

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026

His miniature fingernail polish paintings of everyday objects — a purse, a lipstick tube, a stiletto — are equal parts playful and macabre.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 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

There was Ainyr, putting on lipstick in her mirror.

From Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff

Related Words

• paint