scalp

1 of 5

noun (1)

ˈskalp 

1

a

: the part of the integument of the human head usually covered with hair in both sexes

b

: the part of an animal (such as a wolf or fox) corresponding to the human scalp

2

a

: a part of the human scalp with attached hair cut or torn from an enemy as a token of victory

b

: a trophy of victory or accomplishment

3

chiefly Scotland : a projecting mass of bare ground or rock

scalp

2 of 5

verb

scalped; scalping; scalps

transitive verb

1

a

: to deprive of the scalp

b

: to remove an upper part from

2

: to remove a desired constituent from and discard the rest

3

: to buy and sell so as to make small quick profits

scalp stocks

scalp grain

especially : to resell at greatly increased prices

scalp theater tickets

intransitive verb

1

: to take scalps

2

: to profit by slight market fluctuations

scalper noun

scalper

3 of 5

noun (2)

scalp·​er

ˈskalpə(r), 

-kau̇p-

plural -s

: one that scalps: such as

a

: a slaughterhouse worker who skins animals' heads

b

: any of various machines or devices used in scalping grain

c(1)

: a speculator who seeks to make small profits on quick transactions

(2)

: a speculator who obtains and resells something (as theater tickets) at prices usually greatly above the stated rates

d

: rosser

scalper

4 of 5

noun (3)

"

plural -s

: scorper

scalper

5 of 5

noun (4)

"

variants or less commonly scalping boot

plural -s

: a light leather or rubber toe boot worn by a horse on the hind foot to prevent scalping

Examples of scalp in a Sentence

Verb

Some members of the tribe were scalped by the attacking warriors.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The temporal brow lift (which is commonly coupled with a facelift) meant Robin also had about 30 staples in her scalp. —Michele Promaulayko, Allure, 17 June 2026

One of the victims, a 21-year-old woman, was transferred to a burn unit on Tuesday to be treated for second-degree burns to her face and scalp, Wallace Scalcione said. —Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 16 June 2026

Verb

Fixing the Taylor Swift problem One of Tools for Humanity’s new, more commercially practical products is Concert Kit, a system designed to combat ticket-scalping bots. —Sam Birchall, Fortune, 1 June 2026

For people with fine or oily hair types, washing your hair only once a week may lead to scalp irritation and build-up. —Carley Millhone, Health, 25 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1) and Noun (2)

Middle English, crown of the head, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse skālpr sheath; akin to Middle Dutch schelpe shell

Noun (3)

Latin, chisel, knife

Noun (4)

scalper from scalp entry 3 + -er; scalping from gerund of scalp entry 3

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1676, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing scalp

• go after someone's scalp
• scalp lock
• want someone's scalp

Kids Definition

scalp

1 of 2 noun

ˈskalp 

1

: the part of the skin and flesh of the head usually covered with hair

2

: a part of the human scalp cut or torn from an enemy especially as a sign of victory

scalp

2 of 2 verb

1

: to remove the scalp from

2

: to buy and resell at much higher prices

scalp theater tickets

scalper noun

Medical Definition

scalp

noun

ˈskalp 

: the part of the integument of the head usually covered with hair in both sexes

Legal Definition

scalp

transitive verb

: to buy and sell so as to make small quick profits

scalp stocks

especially : to resell at greatly increased prices

intransitive verb

: to profit by slight market fluctuations

scalper noun