touch-up

1 of 2

noun

: an act or instance of touching up

touch up

2 of 2

verb

touched up; touching up; touches up

transitive verb

1
: to improve or perfect by small additional strokes or alterations : fix the minor and usually visible defects or damages of
2
: to stimulate by or as if by a flick of a whip

Examples of touch-up 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.
Noun
Most need nothing more than a thorough wipe-down, a few touch-ups with stain to conceal minor damage, and a bit of wax to bring back the original luster. Clark Hodgin, New York Times, 2 May 2025 Maintenance is easier for naturally darker hair, of course, while blondes and redheads may be running back to the salon every four to six weeks for root touch-ups. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 2 May 2025
Verb
Keeping knives touched up on that sharpener only takes a few seconds, and bringing a knife back from dull just requires a few minutes. Wes Siler, Outside Online, 24 Apr. 2025 Simply swipe on your lipstick at the start of the day, then perhaps touch up before jetting off to happy hour drinks after work. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for touch-up

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1733, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of touch-up was in 1656

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Touch-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/touch-up. Accessed 17 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

touch-up

1 of 2 noun
ˈtəch-ˌəp
: an act or instance of touching up

touch up

2 of 2 verb
(ˈ)təch-ˈəp
: to improve by or as if by small changes : fix the little imperfections of
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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