A1 noun Neutral #2,773 most common

makeup

/ˈmeɪkʌp/

Makeup refers to colored substances like lipstick or powder that people put on their faces to change their appearance. It can also refer to the different parts that combine to form a whole object or system.

Examples

3 of 5
1

She spends twenty minutes putting on her makeup every morning.

She takes twenty minutes to apply cosmetics to her face each morning.

2

The theatrical makeup used in the opera was very bright and dramatic.

The special face products used in the stage performance were very bold.

3

I usually don't wear any makeup when I go to the gym.

I do not use face products when I exercise.

Word Family

Noun
makeup
Verb
make up
Adjective
made-up
Related
makeover
💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'making your face up' to look better—the noun 'makeup' is the stuff you use to do it.

Quick Quiz

She bought a new bottle of ________ at the store today.

Correct!

The correct answer is: makeup

Examples

1

She spends twenty minutes putting on her makeup every morning.

everyday

She takes twenty minutes to apply cosmetics to her face each morning.

2

The theatrical makeup used in the opera was very bright and dramatic.

formal

The special face products used in the stage performance were very bold.

3

I usually don't wear any makeup when I go to the gym.

informal

I do not use face products when I exercise.

4

Scientists are studying the chemical makeup of the new material.

academic

Researchers are looking at what the new material is made of.

5

A professional makeup artist was hired for the corporate photo shoot.

business

A person who applies cosmetics professionally was hired for the company photos.

Word Family

Noun
makeup
Verb
make up
Adjective
made-up
Related
makeover

Common Collocations

wear makeup to have cosmetics on your face
apply makeup to put cosmetics on your face
remove makeup to wash cosmetics off your face
heavy makeup a large amount of cosmetics
genetic makeup the combination of genes in a person

Common Phrases

kiss and make up

to become friends again after an argument

make up one's mind

to make a decision

make up for lost time

to do something quickly because you started late

Often Confused With

makeup vs make up

'Makeup' (one word) is a noun for cosmetics; 'make up' (two words) is a verb meaning to invent or reconcile.

📝

Usage Notes

When referring to cosmetics, 'makeup' is usually an uncountable noun. When referring to the composition of something, it can be used more technically.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'make up' as a noun, but in modern English, the noun is typically written as one word 'makeup' or sometimes hyphenated 'make-up'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'making your face up' to look better—the noun 'makeup' is the stuff you use to do it.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the 19th-century phrasal verb 'make up,' meaning to complete or prepare something.

Grammar Patterns

Uncountable noun (for cosmetics) Can be used as an attributive noun (e.g., makeup artist) Compound noun
🌍

Cultural Context

The use of makeup varies globally, often used for self-expression, professional standards, or cultural ceremonies.

Quick Quiz

She bought a new bottle of ________ at the store today.

Correct!

The correct answer is: makeup

Related Grammar Rules

Related Words

univolvacy

C1

The characteristic or state of an organism, particularly an insect, having only one generation or brood per year. It describes a life cycle that is completed once within a twelve-month period, often dictated by seasonal changes.

postrogible

C1

A postrogible is a formal administrative item, decision, or legal clause that is officially designated as subject to subsequent questioning or secondary verification. It acts as a placeholder in a process, allowing a project to move forward while acknowledging that a specific element requires future scrutiny.

overferfy

C1

To excessively complicate, refine, or add unnecessary details to a task, object, or process, ultimately diminishing its original effectiveness or clarity. It describes the act of over-engineering something to the point of absurdity or inefficiency.

trisalvhood

C1

Describing a state or system that possesses a triple-layered security or salvage protocol to prevent total loss. It characterizes an object, process, or entity that is thrice-protected against failure, ensuring maximum durability and resilience.

exmovize

C1

A formal noun referring to the outward manifestation or physical externalization of internal energy, emotion, or kinetic impulses. It is specifically used to describe the transition from a latent state to a visible, active movement.

circumpetious

C1

To seek a goal or target by taking an indirect, circular, or roundabout path rather than a direct one. It implies a strategic or cautious approach to reaching an objective by navigating around obstacles or avoiding direct confrontation.

undertactant

C1

A term used in behavioral psychology and verbal behavior analysis to describe an individual who exhibits a deficit in 'tacting,' which is the ability to label or name stimuli in the environment. It refers to a speaker who provides significantly fewer verbal descriptions of non-verbal stimuli than expected for their developmental level.

hypercryptity

C1

To encrypt or obscure information to an extreme, multi-layered degree, often exceeding standard security requirements. This verb describes the act of applying redundant cryptographic protections to ensure that data remains inaccessible even under intense scrutiny.

homosolship

C1

A state or quality of being united by a single, shared purpose or essence within a group, particularly where individual differences are subsumed by a collective identity. It characterizes the bond formed through consistent, singular dedication to a common goal or philosophy.

subsumful

C1

To completely integrate or incorporate a specific element, concept, or entity into a larger, more comprehensive framework or system. It describes the process of making something a full part of a bigger whole so that it becomes indistinguishable from the main structure.

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Start learning languages for free

Start Learning Free