dandruff

noun

dan·​druff ˈdan-drəf 

: 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

ˈdan-drə-fē 

adjective

Examples of dandruff in a Sentence

The shampoo is supposed to help control dandruff.

Recent Examples on the Web

Heavy stylers with alcohols can dry out the hair and scalp, causing product buildup that leads to dandruff-like flakes. — Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 18 June 2026

Mint balances oil production, reduces dandruff, and improves blood flow. — Claire West, PEOPLE, 21 May 2026

James said summer is the right time to incorporate weekly scalp treatments and to stock up on dry shampoo to tame flyaways and dandruff. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 20 May 2026

Washing your hair removes oil, dead skin cells, hair products, and dirt—all of which can build up on your scalp—and prevents yeast overgrowth, which can cause dandruff, Kobets says. — Erica Sweeney, Time, 27 May 2026

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

Phrases Containing dandruff

• anti-dandruff

Kids Definition

dandruff

noun

dan·​druff ˈdan-drəf 

: 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 

: 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

-ē 

adjective