makeup

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.

“Makeup” is pronounced MAY-kuhp (/ˈmeɪkʌp/ in IPA).

Here is “makeup” used in a sentence: “The genetic makeup of the two species is surprisingly similar.”

Words with a similar meaning to “makeup” include configuration, constitution, form, beauty products, cosmetics and product.

“Makeup” is a noun.

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.

“Makeup” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“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.

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").

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.

"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."