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

Derived 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

The Russian embassy in France said it had requested information about the makeup of the crew.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

By the time it ends up in everything from M&Ms to medicines to makeup, few consumers or businesses know they’re contributing to the world’s worst humanitarian disaster.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2026

The makeup of Canada’s trade in goods deficit has changed in recent years, Statistics Canada notes.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

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

From BBC • May 28, 2026

A pained look crossed her face and crinkled her makeup.

From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein

Related Words

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