makeup

1 of 2

noun

make·​up ˈmāk-ˌəp 

variants or less commonly make-up

plural makeups also make-ups

1

a

: the way in which the parts or ingredients of something are put together : composition

the ethnic makeup of the neighborhood

b

: physical, mental, and moral constitution

His daring attitude toward risks is a major part of his makeup.

2

a

: the operation of making up especially pages for printing

b

: design or layout of printed matter

3

a(1)

: cosmetics (such as lipstick, mascara, and eye shadow) used to color and beautify the face

(2)

: a cosmetic applied to other parts of the body

leg makeup for a tanned appearance

b

: materials (such as wigs and cosmetics) used in making up or in special costuming (as for a play)

4

: replacement

specifically : material added (as in a manufacturing process) to replace material that has been used up

makeup water

5

: something that makes up for a previous postponement, omission, failure, or deficiency

a makeup exam

make up

2 of 2

verb

made up; making up; makes up

transitive verb

1

a

: to form by fitting together or assembling

make up a train of cars

b

: to arrange typeset matter in (columns or pages) for printing

2

a

: to combine to produce (a sum or whole)

b

: constitute, compose

10 chapters make up this volume

3

a

: to compensate for (something, such as a deficiency or omission)

make up the difference in lost pay

b

: to do or take in order to correct an omission

make up a history exam

4

: settle, decide

made up my mind to depart

5

: to wrap or fasten up

make the books up into a parcel

6

a

: to prepare in physical appearance for a role

b

: to apply cosmetics to

7

a

: invent, improvise

make up a story

b

: to set in order

rooms are made up daily

intransitive verb

1

: to become reconciled

quarreled but later made up

2

a

: to act ingratiatingly and flatteringly

made up to his aunt for a new bicycle

b

: to make advances : court

3

: compensate

make up for lost time

4

a

: to put on costumes or makeup (as for a play)

b

: to apply cosmetics

Synonyms

Noun

• cosmetics
• maquillage
• paint
• war paint

Verb

• compose
• comprise
• constitute
• form

Examples of makeup in a Sentence

Noun

His daring attitude toward risks is a major part of his makeup.

She put on some makeup before the party.

She applied her makeup lightly.

She's too young to wear makeup.

put on makeup for a play

I didn't recognize him when he was in his theatrical makeup.

Verb

the book is made up of 20 chapters

she keeps making up excuses as to why she hasn't yet finished the project

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

As for her glam, Biden’s blond tresses were styled with soft curls and her makeup featured a hint of a smoky eye. —Julia Teti, WWD, 20 Dec. 2024

Chalamet, who played Laurie opposite Ronan's Jo in the 2019 adaptation of the Louisa May Alcott literary classic, recalled his friend and acting colleague scolding him on set for being late to hair and makeup. —Nick Romano, EW.com, 19 Dec. 2024

Verb

This is only a tiny sample: The NPR Network is made up of over 200 local newsrooms at member stations across the country, which share local reporting with their communities. —Bill Chappell, NPR, 20 Dec. 2024

Not only does each look offer an elevated take on athleisure, but they’re both made up of pieces that are easy to mix and match with my existing wardrobe. —Averi Baudler, People.com, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1821, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

makeup

1 of 2 noun

make·​up ˈmā-ˌkəp 

1

: the way the parts or elements of something are put together : composition

the makeup of a newspaper

2

a

: any of various cosmetics (as lipstick or powder)

b

: materials (as wigs or cosmetics) used in making up

put on makeup for a play

too young to wear makeup

make up

2 of 2 verb

(ˈ)mā-ˈkəp

1

: to form by fitting together or assembling

make up a suit

make up a train

2

: compose sense 1b

chapters make up a book

3

: to make good for something lacking or for a loss or injury

4

: decide sense 3, settle

made up my mind to go

5

a

: to create from the imagination : invent

make up a story

b

: to set in order

rooms are made up daily

6

: to become friendly again

they fought and made up

7

a

: to put on costumes or makeup (as for a play)

made up as a clown

b

: to apply cosmetics to