makeover
Americannoun
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makeovers
plural
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a remodeling; renovation; restoration.
The old house needs a complete makeover.
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a thorough course of beauty and cosmetic treatments.
Assistants spent four hours on the actress's makeover in preparation for the awards ceremony.
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a change made in one’s life or lifestyle.
Does your career or marriage need a makeover?
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of makeover
First recorded in 1925–30; noun use of verb phrase make over
Explanation
While it often describes transforming a person's appearance with a new hairstyle and clothing, the term makeover can also refer to updating anything, such as adding fresh paint and modern features to an old house. The idea behind a makeover is to refresh and improve, bringing about a new and enhanced appearance. For instance, a local library might receive a makeover in the form of new furniture, an expanded collection of books, and new technology for visitors. On the other hand, a makeover for a person might include a haircut, an updated wardrobe, and other changes meant to enhance their physical appearance.
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.
See Examples For:
Banknotes are getting a nature makeover - and the Bank of England has revealed the four creatures that will feature on our money.
From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026
A US real estate firm announced Wednesday it is buying the Chrysler Building and will undertake a vast makeover of the Art Deco landmark that dominates New York City's skyline.
From Barron's ● Oct. 7, 2026
Alan Fletcher, who ran the Aspen Music Festival and School for over two decades, says much of the angst around the runway makeover centers around the NetJets set.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2026
Steffi Cao investigates a billionaire’s scruffy makeover, and explores why Silicon Valley’s power players are styling themselves to appear harmless.
From Slate ● Oct. 5, 2026
Chantal only shakes her head as if she disapproves of the whole makeover.
From "American Street" by Ibi Zoboi
But thanks to a few makeovers, the 60/40 is back — and better than ever.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 15, 2026
Water Street in lower Manhattan has been a popular area for the makeovers, earning it the nickname "Conversion Alley," with buildings offering a mix of luxury and affordably-priced apartments to qualify for municipal abatements.
From Barron's ● Jun. 14, 2026
This was a crucial perspective given that pop culture of the 2000s went all in on makeovers, for better and worse.
From Salon ● Jan. 17, 2026
Bobby Berk, an interior designer and TV personality, is known for elaborate and thoughtful home makeovers on shows such as “Queer Eye.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 8, 2025
“Right. I forgot. Sor — I mean, can we do makeovers at Girl Con?”
From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
