cosmetology

American  

[koz-mi-tol-uh-jee] / ˌkɒz mɪˈtɒl ə dʒi /

noun

1. the art or profession of applying cosmetics.

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cosmetology British  

/ ˌkɒzmɛˈtɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the work of beauty therapists, including hairdressing, facials, manicures, etc

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Other Word Forms

• cosmetological adjective
• cosmetologist noun

Etymology

Origin of cosmetology

1850–55; < Greek kosmētó ( s ) adorned, arranged ( cosmetic ) + -logy, apparently modeled on French cosmétologie

Example Sentences

So as soon as she pulled away to meet a cosmetology client, he planted a white plastic folding chair in the middle of the empty spot.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

She started at cosmetology school, but didn’t finish because the fumes from acrylic nails sent her to the hospital, she said.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 19, 2025

He said he likes to focus on the "positive aspects" of life and is getting ready to go to college to study cosmetology.

From BBC • Oct. 11, 2025

He had a cosmetology license for electrolysis and as he aged, like the stars he had photographed, he felt the urge to recall that he had once been handsome.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 30, 2023

Her name was Shannon, and she studied at the cosmetology school across the street.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover