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
made up; making up; makes up
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
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
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
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
Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 30 July 2025
Individuals with larger and larger followings began sharing the videos, often with commentary about the violence, local leadership or the racial makeup of the crowd.
—Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 30 July 2025
Jordyn Noennig, jsonline.com, 31 July 2025
Gucci sales, which typically make up nearly half of total group revenues, plunged 25% over the quarter to 1.46 billion euros.
—Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for makeup
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
The hollowed eyes and sunken cheeks belonging to Wednesday and the tired girl visage is one that requires the cool-toned products Violetta reached for in her videos, according to makeup artist Lauren Wolborsky.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 30 July 2025
Individuals with larger and larger followings began sharing the videos, often with commentary about the violence, local leadership or the racial makeup of the crowd.
—Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 30 July 2025
Verb
The cozy lounge is made up of couches and a large bar that takes up a majority of the small bar's space.
—Jordyn Noennig, jsonline.com, 31 July 2025
Gucci sales, which typically make up nearly half of total group revenues, plunged 25% over the quarter to 1.46 billion euros.
—Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for makeup
Cite this Entry
“Makeup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/makeup. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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