beauty contest

noun

1
a
: an assemblage of girls or women at which judges select the most beautiful

called also beauty pageant

b
: a contest or competitive situation that is likened to a traditional beauty contest especially in involving judgments made on the basis of physical attractiveness or popular appeal
… an elite automotive expo and beauty contest where cars of only the highest caliber …Hannah Elliott
2
US politics : a presidential primary election in which the popular vote does not determine the number of convention delegates a candidate receives
Mr. Ford and Mr. Reagan are listed in the Republican preferential primary or "beauty contest."Charles Mohr

Examples of beauty contest in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The event also will feature wrestling, a chihuahua beauty contest, a car show and, of course, tacos and margaritas. Jim Kiest, San Antonio Express-News, 3 Oct. 2024 Here's what to know about America's favorite beauty contest and who this year's contestants are: See video:Man keeps his cool in a bear face-off When is Fat Bear Week? Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024 After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, Crosby won a beauty contest, which earned her a screen test with William Holden. Andrés Buenahora, Variety, 21 Sep. 2024 The naturist doctors Gaston and André Durville developed a finicky diet regime and organized nearly nude beauty contests, popularizing the idea of a female figure that adhered to classical ideals. Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for beauty contest 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'beauty contest.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of beauty contest was in 1879

Dictionary Entries Near beauty contest

Cite this Entry

“Beauty contest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beauty%20contest. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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