cos·met·ic
käz-ˈme-tik 
1
: of, relating to, or making for beauty especially of the complexion : beautifying
cosmetic salves
2
: done or made for the sake of appearance: such as
a
: correcting defects especially of the face
cosmetic surgery
b
c
: not substantive : superficial
cosmetic changes
3
: visually appealing
: something that is cosmetic: such as
a
: a cosmetic preparation for external use
b
cosmetics plural
: superficial features
a poem without rhetorical cosmetics—
Guy Davenport
Guy DavenportSynonyms
Examples of cosmetic in a Sentence
Adjective
Almond oil is sometimes used in cosmetic products.
medical procedures that are done for cosmetic purposes
The changes were purely cosmetic.
Noun
Use a cosmetic to hide the scar.
Recent Examples on the WebIman Balagam, Allure, 1 Sep. 2024
However, cosmetic surgeons have found that the following treatments may help restore your skin to a firmer texture:
Laser treatments: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Cellulaze, a treatment involving a tiny laser probe inserted just beneath the skin through a small incision (cut).
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 15 Aug. 2024
Pia Singh, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2024
While Parton has dabbled in scents and perfumes for a while now, with her Dolly collaboration with Scent Beauty, this is her first push into the world of cosmetics and based on the comments on Instagram, fans are very excited.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cosmetic 
Adjective
Get the low-down on the best primers for mature skin, plus, insight from cosmetic chemists and makeup artists.
—Iman Balagam, Allure, 1 Sep. 2024
However, cosmetic surgeons have found that the following treatments may help restore your skin to a firmer texture:
Laser treatments: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Cellulaze, a treatment involving a tiny laser probe inserted just beneath the skin through a small incision (cut).
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 15 Aug. 2024
Noun
Ulta Beauty — Shares popped about 12% after Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway’s 13F regulatory filing revealed the conglomerate took a new stake in the cosmetics company worth $266 million, a small position for Berkshire.
—Pia Singh, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2024
While Parton has dabbled in scents and perfumes for a while now, with her Dolly collaboration with Scent Beauty, this is her first push into the world of cosmetics and based on the comments on Instagram, fans are very excited.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cosmetic
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cosmetic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near cosmetic
Cite this Entry
“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmetic. Accessed 7 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cosmetic
1 of 2 noun
cos·met·ic
käz-ˈmet-ik
: a preparation (as a cream, lotion, or powder) used to improve a person's appearance
cosmetic
2 of 2 adjective
: intended to improve a person's appearance
Medical Definition
cosmetic
1 of 2 noun
cos·met·ic
käz-ˈmet-ik
: a cosmetic preparation for external use
cosmetic
2 of 2 adjective1
: of, relating to, or making for beauty especially of the complexion
cosmetic salves
2
: correcting defects especially of the face
cosmetic surgery
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