dander

noun

dan·​der ˈdan-dər 

1

: dandruff

specifically : minute scales from hair, feathers, or skin that may be allergenic

2

: anger, temper

now don't get your dander up

Did you know?

How did dander acquire its "temper" sense? There are several theories, though the evidence is inconclusive. It has been proposed that the meaning comes from the image of an angry person tearing out their hair by the fistful, scattering dandruff in the process. Some think it comes from a West Indian word dander, which refers to a kind of ferment and suggests "rising" anger (in English, ferment can mean "a state of unrest or excitement"). Others have suggested that the "anger" sense comes from the Dutch phrase op donderen, meaning "to burst into a sudden rage."

Examples of dander in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This compact air purifier uses a three-stage filtration system to help reduce dust, pet dander, odors, and other airborne particles. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026

Don’t let smoke, dust or pet dander wreak havoc in your home with this smart air purifier. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 25 June 2026

Certain Amazon vacuums even come with unique attachments like pet nozzles specifically designed to remove dander and fur clinging to furniture and upholstery. — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 25 June 2026

One of our favorite early deals is a sleek cordless vacuum that fits into corners, tackles pet dander, and is lightweight enough to handle with ease. — Kate Donovan, Southern Living, 22 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

alteration of dandruff

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dander

• get someone's dander up

Rhymes for dander

• brander
• candor
• gander
• grander
• hander
• laender
• lander
• pander
• sander
• slander
• stander
• zander

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Kids Definition

dander

noun

dan·​der ˈdan-dər 

1

: minute scales from hair, feathers, or skin that may cause allergy

2

: anger entry 1, temper

the insults got my dander up

Medical Definition

dander

noun

dan·​der ˈdan-dər 

: dandruff

specifically : minute scales from hair, feathers, or skin that may act as allergens