touch-up

1 of 2

noun

: 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
She was surrounded by her glam team who were making last-minute touch-ups, with Kristine Studden on makeup and Amanda Lee on hair. Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 18 Apr. 2025 Curtis encourages people to be empowered by their authentic selves without the need for touch-ups. Rachel Flynn, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
Ulta expects net sales for the year will be between $11.1 billion and $11.2 billion, a touch up from $11 billion to $11.2 billion. Kathryn Hopkins, WWD, 5 Dec. 2024 In one snap, hairstylist Barry Lee Moe can be seen touching up the Unstoppable actress' sleek twisted updo. Catherine Santino, People.com, 24 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Touch-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/touch-up. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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