# lipstick

/ˈɫɪpˌstɪk/ (US) · /lˈɪpstɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lipstick
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. makeup product

noun · CEFR A2

a coloured substance that you put on your lips to change their colour.

For teachers: a cosmetic substance, often wax-based, used to colour or protect the lips.

- She chose a bright red lipstick to match her dress for the party.
- The makeup artist applied a matte lipstick to the model's lips to ensure the colour remained consistent throughout the long photo shoot.

Usage: Uncountable when referring to the substance itself.

### 2. a tube of makeup

noun · CEFR A2

a small, stick-shaped container of lip makeup.

For teachers: a single stick or cylindrical applicator of lip cosmetic.

- I have three different lipsticks in my bag right now.
- She purchased several expensive lipsticks from the duty-free shop, intending to give them as gifts to her colleagues.

Usage: Countable when referring to the physical object.

### 3. lipstick lesbian

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

a slang term for a lesbian who has a traditionally feminine style.

For teachers: a slang term for a lesbian who exhibits a feminine aesthetic, such as wearing makeup and dresses.

- She described herself as a lipstick lesbian because she loves fashion and makeup.
- The documentary explored the diverse subcultures within the LGBTQ+ community, including the specific social visibility of lipstick lesbians in the 1990s.

Usage: Often used as a modifier before another noun.

### 4. to apply makeup

verb · CEFR B2

to put lipstick on yourself or someone else.

For teachers: to apply lip cosmetic to a surface, typically the lips.

- She carefully lipsticked her mouth in front of the mirror.
- The actress sat patiently in the dressing room while the stylist lipsticked her for the final scene of the play.

Usage: Takes a direct object.

## Examples

- She applies red lipstick before going out.
- She carefully chose a shade of lipstick that matched her dress for the wedding.
- The cosmetic industry produces thousands of lipstick shades annually, ranging from subtle nudes to bold, dramatic reds that cater to diverse consumer preferences.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.