noun
Common
makeup
MAY-kuhp
Makeup (noun) means the way something is put together; its composition or make-up of parts. Example: “The genetic makeup of the two species is surprisingly similar.”
noun
1
The way something is put together; its composition or make-up of parts.
"The genetic makeup of the two species is surprisingly similar."
"You have to consider the racial and social makeup of the neighborhood."
"The makeup of the team changed after two new players joined."
2
Cosmetics applied to the face or skin to enhance or change appearance.
"She spent twenty minutes doing her makeup before the interview."
"The actor needed heavy makeup to look like an old man."
"Do you wear makeup every day, or just on special occasions?"
3
A test or piece of work done later to replace one that was missed.
"The teacher let her sit a makeup test the following week."
"If you miss the lab session, you can do a makeup on Friday."
"He had to take a makeup exam after missing the final due to illness."
How to use makeup
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither what something is made of, or the cosmetics you put on your face — context makes it obvious which.
Common pairings
wear makeup
genetic makeup
makeup exam
apply makeup
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Word forms
- Plural
- makeups
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The genetic _____ of the two species is surprisingly similar.
Etymology
Formed from the phrasal verb "make up." The cosmetics sense borrows the idea from French maquillage, "to make up" a face.
Synonyms
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composition
structure
arrangement
organization
configuration
constitution
form
beauty products
cosmetics
product
slap
war paint
Related words
Rhymes for makeup
See all rhymes for makeup →Frequently asked questions
What does “makeup” mean?
The word “makeup” means the way something is put together; its composition or make-up of parts. In plain terms, either what something is made of, or the cosmetics you put on your face — context makes it obvious which.
How do you pronounce “makeup”?
“Makeup” is pronounced MAY-kuhp (/ˈmeɪkʌp/ in IPA).
How do you use “makeup” in a sentence?
Here is “makeup” used in a sentence: “The genetic makeup of the two species is surprisingly similar.”
What is another word for “makeup”?
Words with a similar meaning to “makeup” include configuration, constitution, form, beauty products, cosmetics and product.
What part of speech is “makeup”?
“Makeup” is a noun.
Where does the word “makeup” come from?
The word “makeup” comes from French. Formed from the phrasal verb "make up." The cosmetics sense borrows the idea from French maquillage, "to make up" a face.
Is “makeup” a common word?
“Makeup” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “makeup” have?
“Makeup” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the way something is put together; its composition or make-up of parts.
Is it makeup, make-up, or make up?
As a noun, both "makeup" (preferred in American English) and "make-up" (common in British English) are correct. Written as two separate words, "make up" is a verb phrase with different meanings, such as inventing something ("make up a story") or reconciling ("they made up after the argument").
What is the difference between makeup and cosmetics?
The words overlap heavily, but "cosmetics" is the broader, slightly more formal term and can include skincare and beauty products in general. "Makeup" usually refers specifically to colour products applied to the face or skin to enhance or change appearance, such as foundation, mascara, and lipstick.
Is makeup singular or plural?
"Makeup" is an uncountable noun in both its main senses, so it has no normal plural: you wear makeup, not "makeups," and you discuss the makeup of a team, not its "makeups." To count items, use countable phrases such as "makeup products" or "items of makeup."
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