dandruff

noun

dan·​druff ˈdan-drəf How to pronounce dandruff (audio)
: scaly white or grayish flakes of dead skin cells especially of the scalp
also : the condition marked by excessive shedding of such flakes and usually accompanied by itching
dandruffy adjective

Examples of dandruff in a Sentence

The shampoo is supposed to help control dandruff.
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.
But a flakey and oily scalp might be a sign of dandruff. Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 17 July 2025 No, eyebrow dandruff doesn’t spread from person to person. Brandi Jones, Health, 3 July 2025 Our tester’s hair has mild dandruff and became flake-free after consistent use. Kayla Blanton, People.com, 5 June 2025 Hair type: All hair types including curly and thick Frequently asked questions What causes dandruff in the first place? Kristine Thomason, Glamour, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for dandruff

Word History

Etymology

probably from dand- (origin unknown) + -ruff, from Middle English rove scabby condition, from Old Norse hrūfa scab; akin to Old High German hruf scurf, Lithuanian kraupus rough

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dandruff was in 1545

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dandruff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dandruff. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

dandruff

noun
dan·​druff ˈdan-drəf How to pronounce dandruff (audio)
: scaly white or grayish flakes of dead skin cells especially of the scalp
also : the condition marked by the excessive shedding of such flakes

Medical Definition

dandruff

noun
dan·​druff ˈdan-drəf How to pronounce dandruff (audio)
: scaly white or grayish flakes of dead skin cells especially of the scalp
also : the condition marked by excessive shedding of such flakes and usually accompanied by itching
dandruffy adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on dandruff

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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