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
thehustle.co, 1 Nov. 2024
Many of the boot’s biggest champions on social media tout not just its cosmetic features—its hefty stacked heel, its blunt, squared toe—but its history.
—Sam Reed, Glamour, 31 Oct. 2024
Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2024
Next, Lauder, who is the granddaughter of celebrated cosmetics entrepreneur Estée Lauder, has her sights on the South.
—Ryma Chikhoune, WWD, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cosmetic 
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Adjective
Olivia Heller/The Hustle And about 86% of those dermatologists reported their patients were referencing video-conferencing as a reason for their new cosmetic concerns.
—thehustle.co, 1 Nov. 2024
Many of the boot’s biggest champions on social media tout not just its cosmetic features—its hefty stacked heel, its blunt, squared toe—but its history.
—Sam Reed, Glamour, 31 Oct. 2024
Noun
Estee Lauder — Shares tumbled 21% after the luxury cosmetics titan pulled its forecast for annual financial performance .
—Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2024
Next, Lauder, who is the granddaughter of celebrated cosmetics entrepreneur Estée Lauder, has her sights on the South.
—Ryma Chikhoune, WWD, 30 Oct. 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 13 Nov. 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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