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 DavenportExamples 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
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
2 July 2026
Whether investing in therapy, hiring personal trainers, taking solo vacations, pursuing preventative healthcare, or exploring cosmetic treatments, many are redefining what self-care actually means.
—
Maia Niguel Hoskin,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
2 July 2026
The interior also comes with a cotton liner, which will be much easier to spot-clean should your cosmetics or snacks leave a stain.
—
Alyssa Grabinski,
PEOPLE,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
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Adjective
Brushing, flossing and regular cleanings function less like cosmetic upkeep and more like the kind of low-cost preventive habit that shows up in lifespan data years down the line.
—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
2 July 2026
Whether investing in therapy, hiring personal trainers, taking solo vacations, pursuing preventative healthcare, or exploring cosmetic treatments, many are redefining what self-care actually means.
—
Maia Niguel Hoskin,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
Noun
The collaboration will bring the cosmetics industry network into Première Vision’s ecosystem, starting with the September edition of Première Vision Paris.
—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
2 July 2026
The interior also comes with a cotton liner, which will be much easier to spot-clean should your cosmetics or snacks leave a stain.
—
Alyssa Grabinski,
PEOPLE,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for cosmetic
Cite this Entry
“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmetic. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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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