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

She tried not to over-process her hair when she had a relaxer, and would sometimes wait six weeks or two months before getting a touch-up.

From Los Angeles Times

While on the set of “Baby Boy,” Henson said she was embarrassed for the hairstylist to see her roots because she hadn’t had a touch-up.

From Los Angeles Times

At another point, a makeup artist gives him a touch-up because a fall has broken bones in his face.

From New York Times

The Coronation Chair, on which King Charles III will sit for part of his ceremony on Saturday, is getting a touch-up.

From New York Times

Then mix touch-up porcelain paint to match the color of the tile as closely as possible.

From Washington Post