cosmetic

1 of 2

adjective

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

: decorative, ornamental

c

: not substantive : superficial

cosmetic changes

3

: visually appealing

cosmetically

käz-ˈme-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

cosmetic

2 of 2

noun

: 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

Synonyms

Adjective

• adorning
• beautifying
• decorative
• embellishing
• ornamental

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 Web

Adjective

The state says that cosmetic improvements alone, such as painting, decorating and minor repairs, do not qualify as substantial rehabilitation. —Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2025

Ear pinning refers to a cosmetic procedure that permanently alters the appearance of the outer ears, whether in relation to shape, position or size, by bringing them closer to the head, according to the Cleveland Clinic. —Michelle Lee, People.com, 21 Feb. 2025

Noun

Italy’s Camera della Moda’s projections forecast 2024 sales of the fashion and connected industries (including textiles, clothing, leather goods, footwear, jewelry, eyewear and cosmetics) to be down 5.3 percent to 96 billion euros compared to 2023. —Luisa Zargani, WWD, 25 Feb. 2025

Cocoa also is used in other goods like cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, which account for a significant piece of the global market. —Ayurella Horn-Muller, WIRED, 22 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Greek kosmētikos skilled in adornment, from kosmein to arrange, adorn, from kosmos order

First Known Use

Adjective

1638, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1650, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cosmetic

• cosmetic case
• cosmetic surgery

Rhymes for cosmetic

• acetic
• aesthetic
• ascetic
• athletic
• diegetic
• eidetic
• emetic
• esthetic
• frenetic
• genetic
• helvetic
• hermetic

Kids 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 adjective

1

: of, relating to, or making for beauty especially of the complexion

cosmetic salves

2

: correcting defects especially of the face

cosmetic surgery

cosmetically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb