cosmetology

noun

cos·​me·​tol·​o·​gy ˌkäz-mə-ˈtä-lə-jē How to pronounce cosmetology (audio)
: the cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails

Examples of cosmetology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Before embarking on a stellar music career, the Queen of Motown enrolled in cosmetology school as a teenager, jeujing up clients before eventually becoming our muse. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 25 Mar. 2025 Dahmen, a former cosmetology student, was denied appropriate accommodations to pump at school while breastfeeding. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 12 Mar. 2025 Under the current law, manicurists who wish to be classified as independent contractors would have to go back to school and get a full cosmetology license. Hanna Kang, Orange County Register, 11 Mar. 2025 On Sunday, 44 booths inside of the college’s cosmetology building were filled. Karla Marie Sanford, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cosmetology

Word History

Etymology

French cosmétologie, from cosmétique cosmetic (from English cosmetic) + -logie -logy

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cosmetology was in 1926

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cosmetology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmetology. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

cosmetology

noun
cos·​me·​tol·​o·​gy -jē How to pronounce cosmetology (audio)
plural cosmetologies
: the cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails
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