noun
Uncommon
mascara
muh-SKAH-ruh
Mascara (noun) means a cosmetic applied to darken and thicken the eyelashes. Example: “She swept a coat of mascara over her lashes before the interview.”
noun
1
A cosmetic applied to darken and thicken the eyelashes.
"She swept a coat of mascara over her lashes before the interview."
"Her mascara had smudged after crying at the film."
verb
1
To apply mascara to the eyelashes.
"She mascaraed her lashes quickly before running out the door."
How to use mascara
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEyelash makeup — also the name of an Algerian city, unrelated in meaning.
Common pairings
waterproof mascara
a coat of mascara
smudged mascara
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like mascara.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- mascaras
- Third person singular
- mascaras
- Past tense
- mascaraed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She swept a coat of _____ over her lashes before the interview.
Etymology
From Italian maschera, "mask."
Rhymes for mascara
See all rhymes for mascara →Frequently asked questions
What does “mascara” mean?
The word “mascara” means a cosmetic applied to darken and thicken the eyelashes. In plain terms, eyelash makeup — also the name of an Algerian city, unrelated in meaning.
How do you pronounce “mascara”?
“Mascara” is pronounced muh-SKAH-ruh (/ˌmæsˈkæɹə/ in IPA).
How do you use “mascara” in a sentence?
Here is “mascara” used in a sentence: “She swept a coat of mascara over her lashes before the interview.”
What part of speech is “mascara”?
Depending on how it is used, “mascara” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “mascara” come from?
The word “mascara” comes from Italian. From Italian maschera, "mask.".
Is “mascara” a common word?
“Mascara” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “mascara” have?
“Mascara” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a cosmetic applied to darken and thicken the eyelashes.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include mascara:
