touch-up

1 of 2

noun

ˈtəch-ˌəp How to pronounce touch-up (audio)
Synonyms of touch-upnext
: an act or instance of touching up

touch up

2 of 2

verb

touched up; touching up; touches up

transitive verb

1
: to improve or perfect by small additional strokes or alterations : fix the minor and usually visible defects or damages of
2
: to stimulate by or as if by a flick of a whip

Examples of touch-up 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.
Noun
It’s perfectly sized to toss in my bag for quick touch-ups throughout the day or travel. — Madeline Merinuk, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 As with other home improvement supplies, retaining current paint colors is smart in case walls need touch-ups or a fresh coat. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2026
Verb
Soccer fans can touch up on the stadium tenant’s history there. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 11 May 2026 Odenkirk and his kids wrote these poems at bedtime every night, and now, many years later, they’ve been touched up for your enjoyment. — Toby Rose, Parents, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for touch-up

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1733, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of touch-up was in 1656

Rhymes for touch-up

See All Rhymes for touch-up

Browse Nearby Words

touch-type
touch-up
touch up
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

touch-up

1 of 2 noun
ˈtəch-ˌəp
: an act or instance of touching up

touch up

2 of 2 verb
(ˈ)təch-ˈəp
: to improve by or as if by small changes : fix the little imperfections of
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