ENGLISH
REFERENCE

makeup

n.
US //ˈmeɪˌkəp// UK //mˈeɪkʌp// make·up
  1. 1 cosmetics (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    substances like lipstick or powder that you put on your face to change your appearance.

    cosmetics such as powders, creams, or pigments applied to the skin, especially the face, to enhance or alter appearance.

    Example

    She spent twenty minutes putting on her makeup before the party started.

    Example

    The theatrical makeup required for the lead role was so heavy that the actor spent nearly an hour in the dressing room each night.

    Usage

    often used as an uncountable noun
  2. 2 composition (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the different parts or qualities that something is made of.

    the composition or constitution of something; the combination of qualities that form a person's character.

    Example

    The chemical makeup of the soil determines which plants will grow best.

    Example

    To understand the firm's success, one must examine the genetic makeup of its leadership team and their shared commitment to innovation.

    Usage

    often used with the preposition 'of'
Show 1 more senseShow fewer
  1. 3 replacement exam (n.)
    B1 Intermediate American English Education

    a test that a student takes because they missed or failed the first one.

    an examination or assignment offered to a student to compensate for a previous absence or failure.

    Example

    Since I was sick on Monday, the teacher let me take a makeup exam today.

    Example

    The university policy allows for a makeup session only if the student provides a valid medical certificate within forty-eight hours of the original date.

    Usage

    often used as a modifier before another noun like 'test' or 'exam'
Origin

Deverbal from make up. Noun sense 2 is a semantic loan from French maquillage, from maquiller (“to make up, fabricate”).

© 2026 English Reference