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

For example, articles on how Christianity addresses contemporary problems by Catholic Bishop Fulton Sheen and Columbia University Chaplain James A. Pike appeared in Vogue alongside ads for makeup and fashion photo shoots.

From Salon • May 17, 2026

By contrast, Mr. Law, under heavy makeup as Russia’s dictator, continues a string of regrettable performances.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

Dennis Coronacion, chair of the political science department at Manila's University of Santo Tomas, told AFP before Cayetano's election he believed an acquittal was "highly possible" given the Senate's new makeup.

From Barron's • May 11, 2026

Pasqual worked as a background actor, with credits including “How I Met Your Mother” and “Archive 81,” and Shehorn worked as a makeup artist on movies including “Family Switch” and “Babylon.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2026

John Kennedy sat at his desk, sweating through his makeup, waiting to address the nation.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

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