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 Word Forms

• 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

Those capable of critical thinking have called Bukele an authoritarian and autocrat, who apparently likes makeup as much as Trump does.

From Salon

I’m that connection between the client, the photographer or director, the stylist, the hair and makeup team.

From Los Angeles Times

The makeup department at "SNL" outfitted Sherman with comically large and misaligned teeth in an unsubtle dig at the British actress.

From Salon

He’d been in L.A. just three years at this point, but many of his students were Hollywood makeup artists, stylists and private chefs to the stars and word got out.

From Los Angeles Times

There might have been some makeup sex involved.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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