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 WebNicole Asbury, Washington Post, 20 June 2024
But what is happening, according to cosmetic surgeons, is a rise in inquiries from young men about facial surgeries like chin implants.
—Harriet Marsden, The Week Uk, theweek, 18 June 2024
Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 23 June 2024
Our shoes would be polished, every hair in place and cosmetics artfully applied.
—Kelly Stiefel Arias, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for cosmetic 
Adjective
The money, according to charging papers, was used to pay for personal loans, credit card debt, his rent, personal subscriptions and cosmetic procedures.
—Nicole Asbury, Washington Post, 20 June 2024
But what is happening, according to cosmetic surgeons, is a rise in inquiries from young men about facial surgeries like chin implants.
—Harriet Marsden, The Week Uk, theweek, 18 June 2024
Noun
Notably, Noel, his wife Misty and daughter Kasey were accused of theft and tax evasion in relation to bank account records appearing to show a fire department's credit card had been charged for personal items, including clothing and cosmetics.
—Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 23 June 2024
Our shoes would be polished, every hair in place and cosmetics artfully applied.
—Kelly Stiefel Arias, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for cosmetic
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cosmetic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near cosmetic
Cite this Entry
“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmetic. Accessed 7 Jul. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share