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

• nonmakeup adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of makeup¹

First recorded in 1805–15; noun use of verb phrase make up

Example Sentences

Everyone's skin responds differently to the product, he adds, and it's one that is almost always being stress-tested – by sweat, water, or makeup.

From BBC

For that reason Forbes said he takes character and makeup into account in both signing and promoting players.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, it’s nice to have a sweeping view of the first film’s prosthetic makeup: the Cowardly Lion’s upturned nostrils, the Scarecrow’s baggy jowls, the real horses painted purple and red with Jell-O.

From Los Angeles Times

The intense makeup couldn’t hide the swelling around his eyes.

From Salon

Stella McCartney posits in the movie that her mom’s singular style — minimal makeup, Bohemian wardrobe — influenced women musicians who followed.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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