makeup

or make-up

[ meyk-uhp ]

noun

1. facial cosmetics, as eye shadow or lipstick.
2. cosmetics used on other parts of the body, as to cover birthmarks.
3. the application of cosmetics.
4. the ensemble or effect created by such application:

   Her makeup was subtle but very effective.

5. the total ensemble of cosmetics, wigs, costumes, etc., used by an actor or other performer.
6. the manner of being made up or put together; composition:

   the makeup of a team; the makeup of a situation.

7. physical or mental constitution:

   the makeup of a criminal.

8. the art, technique, or process of arranging or laying out, as pages in a publication.
9. the appearance of a page, book, newspaper, or the like, resulting from the arrangement and the variation in size and style of the printed elements:

   The makeup would be helped by a picture in this corner.

10. Printing. the arrangement of set type, cuts, etc., into columns or pages.
11. an examination, assignment, or the like, given to offset a student's previous absence or failure.
12. an amount owed; balance.

Other Words From

• non·makeup adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of makeup¹

First recorded in 1805–15; noun use of verb phrase make up

Example Sentences

But for the song to work its magic in the musical, Albin’s interior life must poke through the makeup, dresses and temperamental diva histrionics.

From Los Angeles Times

Recently Ray spoke to The Times about how his signature live show started as a gag to maximize the usage of exceptional makeup and turned Ray into an “advice”-giving, viral sensation.

From Los Angeles Times

She credits Bensimon, an iconic fashion photographer, with giving her a timeless style tip about the power of a plain T-shirt and sparse makeup.

From Los Angeles Times

But every time I took the makeup off, I had an appreciation for the skin that I live in every day.

From Los Angeles Times

Cast member Sarah Sherman walked out in Gaetz makeup, complete with a high forehead and frozen, arched eyebrows.

From Salon

Related Words

• content
• design
• formation
• layout
• setup
• shape
• style