touch-up

[ tuhch-uhp ]

noun

1. an act or instance of touching up:

   Her makeup needed a touch-up.

touch up

verb

1. to put extra or finishing touches to
2. to enhance, renovate, or falsify by putting extra touches to

   to touch up a photograph

3. to stimulate or rouse as by a tap or light blow
4. slang.
   to touch or caress (someone), esp to arouse sexual feelings

noun

1. a renovation or retouching, as of a painting

Word History and Origins

Origin of touch-up¹

First recorded in 1880–85; noun use of verb phrase touch up

Idioms and Phrases

Make minor changes or improvements, as in This wall needs some touching up but not complete repainting . [Early 1700s]

Example Sentences

They looked disjointed, error strewn, all too easily penetrated at the back and lacking a killer touch up front - hardly the characteristics of a championship-winning team.

From BBC

On the sunny banks of the Grand Canal in Hangzhou, she and three other women, all over 55, are touching up their make-up and hair.

From BBC

This was followed almost immediately by an apology signed by “C” explaining that “like other amateur photographers,” she often touched up her photos, and she was sorry for the confusion.

From Los Angeles Times

He credited that in part to drills arranged by Kraken assistant coach Jay Leach to touch up certain aspects of his game and build his confidence.

From Seattle Times

A makeup artist brushed her cheeks and touched up her blazing red lipstick.

From New York Times