mascara: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal to neutral. Core use is in everyday/cosmetic contexts; technical in beauty industry documentation.
Quick answer
What does “mascara” mean?
A cosmetic substance, typically applied with a brush, that is used to darken, thicken, and define the eyelashes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A cosmetic substance, typically applied with a brush, that is used to darken, thicken, and define the eyelashes.
In a very limited extended sense, can refer to the act of applying this cosmetic, or (rarely) to products intended to similarly alter the appearance of eyebrows or (figuratively) to any substance that creates a similar darkening effect.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or product type. The verb form is equally rare in both varieties. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Neutral cosmetic term in both. Associated with standard makeup routines.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, given the globalized beauty industry.
Grammar
How to Use “mascara” in a Sentence
apply [mascara] to [eyelashes][mascara] smudges/runs/clumpswear [mascara]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mascara” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She would carefully mascara her lashes before the event.
American English
- The model mascaraed her upper lashes only for a natural look.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the cosmetics industry: 'Q3 sales of mascara grew by 15%.'
Academic
Rare. Possibly in cultural studies, gender studies, or material science: 'The cultural symbolism of mascara in the 1920s.'
Everyday
Common: 'I need to buy more mascara.' 'Your mascara is smudged.'
Technical
In cosmetics chemistry/formulation: 'The new mascara uses a polymer-based film-former.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mascara”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mascara”
- Using it as a regular countable noun only ('a mascara' is fine for a product type, but 'I put a mascara' is wrong). Confusing spelling: 'maskara'. Incorrect plural: 'mascaras' is acceptable for types/tubes, but 'mascarae' is wrong.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is very dated and formal (e.g., 'to mascara one's lashes'). In modern everyday English, people say 'apply mascara' or 'put on mascara'.
Mascara is applied to the eyelashes to darken and thicken them. Eyeliner is applied along the eyelid, above or below the lash line, to define the shape of the eye.
In American English, it is typically pronounced /mæˈskerə/, with the stress on the second syllable and the final vowel sounding like the 'a' in 'china'.
As a mass noun, it is typically uncountable. However, it can be used countably to refer to different types or tubes of the product (e.g., 'I tried three different mascaras before finding my favorite').
A cosmetic substance, typically applied with a brush, that is used to darken, thicken, and define the eyelashes.
Mascara is usually informal to neutral. core use is in everyday/cosmetic contexts; technical in beauty industry documentation. in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MASCara makes your MAS-Cara (face) more dramatic, emphasizing your eyes.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENHANCEMENT IS EMPOWERMENT (mascara enhances lashes, enhancing one's appearance/confidence).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most common use of the word 'mascara'?