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

“When you’re 16 and you don’t really like yourself, and you’re trying to figure out what the hell is gong on in your body and your makeup and your hormones, and people are telling you that you’re not good enough — that weight is so heavy,” Sweeney said at the time.

From Los Angeles Times

Well, he looks like a poor man’s Josh Brolin — with more makeup.

From Salon

The hair and makeup of Yoko Haitz is an integral part of the scenic sorcery.

From Los Angeles Times

But she keeps going back to the mirror, wiping off the makeup and starting again.

From Los Angeles Times

Far from all Londoners falling back on dull neutrals, Durran found red was “in the fashion ether at the time”; makeup designer Naomi Donne also goes crimson for Rita’s lipstick.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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