makeup

American  

[meyk-uhp] / ˈmeɪkˌʌp /

Or make-up

noun

1. facial cosmetics, as eye shadow or lipstick.

2. cosmetics used on other parts of the body, as to cover birthmarks.

3. the application of cosmetics.

4. the ensemble or effect created by such application.

   Her makeup was subtle but very effective.

5. the total ensemble of cosmetics, wigs, costumes, etc., used by an actor or other performer.

6. the manner of being made up or put together; composition.

   the makeup of a team; the makeup of a situation.

7. physical or mental constitution.

   the makeup of a criminal.

8. the art, technique, or process of arranging or laying out, as pages in a publication.

9. the appearance of a page, book, newspaper, or the like, resulting from the arrangement and the variation in size and style of the printed elements.

   The makeup would be helped by a picture in this corner.

10. Printing. the arrangement of set type, cuts, etc., into columns or pages.

11. an examination, assignment, or the like, given to offset a student's previous absence or failure.

12. an amount owed; balance.

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Other Word Forms

• nonmakeup
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of makeup

First recorded in 1805–15; noun use of verb phrase make up

Explanation

Your makeup is the sum of what makes you who you are, or the sum of what you smear on your face! You could say that your makeup is a combination of your parents' genes. Or, you could wear cosmetic makeup to accentuate those physical traits. Your makeup is every personality characteristic that, combined, form a unique person — but the makeup you put on your face can be used to disguise your real self a little bit. This kind of makeup is also called cosmetics, and it consists of things like lipstick, mascara, foundation, and so on. This meaning of makeup has been in use since the 1880s, a period when Queen Victoria declared it vulgar, only appropriate for stage actors.

Example Sentences

I knew I've always wanted to go into makeup.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

Tarang Amin, the CEO of budget makeup brand E.l.f.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

Scientists already understand a great deal about the makeup and function of blood cells in humans and mice thanks to advances in hematology and immunology.

From Science Daily • May 27, 2026

I’m curious about the makeup, hairstyle and grooming conversation that you are having, and why it matters.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

Mama said there'd been many Conjurors throughout the years that did hide from Marvellians and Fewels alike, used makeup to cover their conjure mark and pass into Marvellian society.

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton

Related Words

• content
• design
• formation
• layout
• setup
• shape
• style