What does makeup mean?
Makeup has several related meanings, with cosmetics being its most familiar modern use. As a noun, it can refer to substances applied to the face, such as lipstick, foundation, or eye colour, as well as to the overall composition or arrangement of a larger thing: the makeup of a committee or a theory. As a verb, make up can mean to constitute or compose, as in the pieces that make up a whole. It can also mean to invent a story or explanation, to apply cosmetics, or to compensate for a loss or deficiency. The phrase make up the bed is a further common use meaning to prepare or arrange a bed. Makeup is written as one word in American English and frequently in British English as well, although the hyphenated make-up remains traditional in Britain. The word is useful because it links the everyday act of decorating oneself with the broader idea of putting something together or composing its parts.
Cosmetics applied to the face or body; the composition or arrangement of something; an invented account; or compensation for a loss or deficiency.
"The makeup of the final team was decided only hours before the match."
The plural makeups is possible but uncommon; the plural is most natural when referring to different cosmetic looks or products.
To constitute or compose something, invent an explanation or story, apply cosmetics, prepare or arrange something, or compensate for a loss.
"The two departments make up the new research division."
Usually written as two words when used as a verb, although the closed form makeup occurs in some compound and attributive uses.
The plural is uncommon. It is most natural when referring to several distinct cosmetic products, styles, or looks.
"The magazine featured several dramatic makeups inspired by the 1920s."
Makeup literally means what something is made up of, before the phrase came to mean the colours and powders used to change how the face looks.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does makeup come from?
The word is a compound of make and up, with up expressing completion or the bringing together of parts. The expression arose from ordinary phrasal-verb usage long before cosmetics acquired their modern sense. The one-word spelling became especially prominent in American English, while make-up with a hyphen remained common in British usage. Its composition-related senses are therefore older than its familiar association with cosmetics.
Related word forms
How makeup is actually used
In American English, makeup is normally written as one word; make-up with a hyphen is especially common in British English but is also standard in American usage. When make up functions as a verb, the words are usually separated: 'She made up the story.'
Easily confused with makeup
Make-up is an established spelling, especially in British English, while makeup is common in American English and is also widely accepted elsewhere.
Makeup is generally one word, whereas make up is written as two words when the phrase has a fuller grammatical function, as in 'she made up an excuse.'