cosmetology

noun

cos·​me·​tol·​o·​gy ˌkäz-mə-ˈtä-lə-jē How to pronounce cosmetology (audio)
: the cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails

Examples of cosmetology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Now, she’s excited by cosmetology and intends to support herself one day as a hair stylist. — Eli Hager, ProPublica, 28 Apr. 2026 Before opening Endless Grind, Beyene did ten years in cosmetology and still owns a beauty shop. — Colin Wrenn, Denver Post, 13 May 2026 At the same time, for-profit barber, cosmetology and hair braiding trade schools now come with tuition that can exceed $17,000. — Eric Zamparripa, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026 Some are short-term certificate programs, including cosmetology and other vocational training fields. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 3 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for cosmetology

Word History

Etymology

French cosmétologie, from cosmétique cosmetic (from English cosmetic) + -logie -logy

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cosmetology was in 1926

Rhymes for cosmetology

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Browse Nearby Words

cosmetologist
cosmetology
cosmic
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Cite this Entry

“Cosmetology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmetology. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

cosmetology

noun
cos·​me·​tol·​o·​gy -jē How to pronounce cosmetology (audio)
plural cosmetologies
: the cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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