eyeliner
C1neutral
Definition
Meaning
A cosmetic product applied in a line along the edge of the eyelid to define the shape of the eye.
The technique or style of applying such a product. Can also refer to the line created by the product itself.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a mass noun but can be used as a count noun when referring to types or specific products (e.g., 'three eyeliners'). The word originates from the mid-20th century as a compound of 'eye' and 'liner'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and meaning are identical. Minor differences may exist in specific brand names or colloquial terms for types (e.g., 'kohl' is a more common generic term in UK for a type of pencil eyeliner).
Connotations
Identical. Associated with makeup, beauty, and fashion.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
apply eyeliner to [object]use eyeliner for [purpose]eyeliner smudgeseyeliner lasts [duration]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not commonly used in idioms]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in the cosmetics and retail industries (e.g., 'Our new eyeliner line launches in Q3').
Academic
Rare, except in cultural studies, gender studies, or history of fashion contexts.
Everyday
Common in conversations about personal appearance, beauty routines, and shopping.
Technical
Used in cosmetics chemistry, product development, and beauty tutorials (e.g., 'pigment load', 'felt-tip applicator').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- 'To line one's eyes' is the verbal phrase, not 'to eyeliner'.
- She expertly lined her eyes with a steady hand.
American English
- 'To tightline' is a specific technique for applying liner.
- She prefers to line her upper lid only.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form]
- [No standard adverbial form]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form]
- [No standard adverbial form]
adjective
British English
- An eyeliner pencil
- An eyeliner brush
American English
- An eyeliner look
- Eyeliner technique
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She has black eyeliner.
- I like your eyeliner.
- I need to buy a new eyeliner pencil.
- Her eyeliner was smudged after the rain.
- Applying liquid eyeliner requires a very steady hand.
- The makeup artist created a dramatic look with a cat-eye eyeliner flick.
- The longevity of the gel eyeliner impressed the beauty bloggers, as it resisted smudging for over twelve hours.
- Her signature winged eyeliner had become an iconic part of her public persona.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: It's a LINE you put around your EYE. EYE + LINE + -ER (thing that does this).
Conceptual Metaphor
EYELINER IS A TOOL FOR DEFINITION/EMPHASIS (e.g., 'She used eyeliner to frame her eyes').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calques like 'глазолинер' or 'лайнер для глаз'. The standard translation is 'подводка для глаз' or 'карандаш для глаз' depending on the type.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb incorrectly (e.g., 'I will eyeliner my eyes' instead of 'I will apply eyeliner'). Confusing 'eyeliner' (product) with 'eyelash' (hair).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common function of eyeliner?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Eyeliner is applied around the *edge* of the eyelid to outline the eye. Mascara is applied to the *eyelashes* to darken, thicken, and lengthen them.
It is primarily an uncountable (mass) noun (e.g., 'She wears a lot of eyeliner'). It becomes countable when referring to different types or specific products (e.g., 'I own three eyeliners: a liquid, a gel, and a pencil').
No, 'eyeliner' is not a standard verb. The correct verbal phrase is 'to apply eyeliner' or 'to line one's eyes'.
It refers to eyeliner formulated to resist smudging or running when exposed to water, tears, or humidity.