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 Web
Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
All parts of the game are completely unlocked, and there is a chance for players who take part to earn a cosmetic item for use in both the main Escape From Tarkov game and Arena.
—Mike Stubbs, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Julie Goldenberg, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
Two brands rooted in African American culture are uniting for a beauty partnership: Black Radiance, the cosmetics company launched in 1993, and Cross Colours, the streetwear label established in 1989.
—Ryma Chikhoune, WWD, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cosmetic 
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Adjective
Even greater cosmetic outcomes are achieved by using sapphire, which lessens tissue stress and encourages quicker recovery.
—Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
All parts of the game are completely unlocked, and there is a chance for players who take part to earn a cosmetic item for use in both the main Escape From Tarkov game and Arena.
—Mike Stubbs, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
Weaker consumer demand in China also significantly dented the fortune of L’Oréal heir Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, whose grandfather founded the cosmetics behemoth.
—Julie Goldenberg, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
Two brands rooted in African American culture are uniting for a beauty partnership: Black Radiance, the cosmetics company launched in 1993, and Cross Colours, the streetwear label established in 1989.
—Ryma Chikhoune, WWD, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cosmetic
Dictionary Entries Near cosmetic
Cite this Entry
“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmetic. Accessed 30 Dec. 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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