cosmetology

noun

cos·​me·​tol·​o·​gy ˌkäz-mə-ˈtä-lə-jē 

: the cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails

Examples of cosmetology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Many of the colleges the Department of Education has flagged with lower earnings disclosures are for-profit institutions and cosmetology schools. —Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2025

This list comprises vocational and career-focused schools, primarily specializing in beauty, cosmetology, hair design, and related trades, with a few institutions offering career training in healthcare and interactive entertainment. —Associate News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025

Complete with four attachments—a concentrator, diffuser, brush, and finisher—this do-it-all hair dryer is the next best thing to a cosmetology school diploma. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 26 Nov. 2025

For example, Santiago Canyon College offers a comprehensive array of courses and apprenticeship programs in everything from environmental management, cosmetology and biotechnology to water conservation, real estate appraisal and an impressive range of carpentry specialties. —Larry D. Urish, Oc Register, 25 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cosmetology

• aetiology
• anthropology
• archaeology
• archeology
• audiology
• cardiology
• climatology
• cohomology
• criminology
• demonology
• dermatology
• egyptology

Medical Definition

cosmetology

noun

cos·​me·​tol·​o·​gy -jē 

plural cosmetologies

: the cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails