complexion
noun
com·plex·ion
kəm-ˈplek-shən 
1
: the combination of the hot, cold, moist, and dry qualities held in medieval physiology to determine the quality of a body
2
a
: an individual complex of ways of thinking or feeling
b
: a complex of attitudes and inclinations
3
: the hue or appearance of the skin and especially of the face
a dark complexion
4
: overall aspect or character
by changing the complexion of the legislative branch—
Trevor Armbrister
Trevor ArmbristerExamples of complexion in a Sentence
She has a dark complexion.
All of the children had healthy complexions.
The complexion of the neighborhood has changed over the years.
Recent Examples on the Web
Our top pick overall is the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, because it can be used on face and body, is praised by multiple dermatologists, and is suitable for even the most sensitive complexions.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 1 May 2025
Inspired by royal beauty rituals, The Whoo reimagines skincare traditions that originated from Korea's Joseon Dynasty, when the royal favored a youthful complexion.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Chantecaille Pure Rose Water For the self-care advocate A single spritz of this refreshing rose face mist comforts the skin immediately, hydrates the complexion and uplifts the senses.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
The individuals were described as males with dark complexions, last seen wearing dark-colored clothing, officials said.
—Megan Forrester, ABC News, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complexion
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Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 1 May 2025
Inspired by royal beauty rituals, The Whoo reimagines skincare traditions that originated from Korea's Joseon Dynasty, when the royal favored a youthful complexion.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Chantecaille Pure Rose Water For the self-care advocate A single spritz of this refreshing rose face mist comforts the skin immediately, hydrates the complexion and uplifts the senses.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
The individuals were described as males with dark complexions, last seen wearing dark-colored clothing, officials said.
—Megan Forrester, ABC News, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complexion
Cite this Entry
“Complexion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complexion. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
complexion
noun
com·plex·ion
kəm-ˈplek-shən
1
: the hue or appearance of the skin and especially of the face
has a dark complexion
2
: general appearance : character
information that changes the whole complexion of a situation
Medical Definition
complexion
noun
com·plex·ion
kəm-ˈplek-shən
1
: the combination of the hot, cold, moist, and dry qualities held in medieval physiology to determine the quality of a body
2
: the hue or appearance of the skin and especially of the face
a dark complexion
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