blackhead

noun

Save Word

black·head | \ ˈblak-ˌhed

Definition of blackhead

1 : a small plug of darkened sebum and dead skin cells that fills a pore of the skin especially on the face

— called also comedo, open comedo

— compare whitehead

2 : a destructive disease of turkeys and related birds caused by a protozoan (Histomonas meleagridis) that invades the intestinal ceca and liver

3 : a larval clam or mussel attached to the skin or gills of a freshwater fish

Examples of blackhead in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Plus, our experts share their favorite blackhead-busting ingredients and products. — Dori Price, Good Housekeeping, "How to Get Rid of Blackheads, According to Skincare Pros and Dermatologists," 1 Dec. 2020 Based on the trailer alone, these treatments look a lot more involved than a simple blackhead extraction or mysterious rash. — Sarah Midkiff, refinery29.com, "Dr. Pimple Popper Is Back For A New Season — & We Have Your Exclusive First Look," 17 Nov. 2020 To use it correctly, place the open tips on each side of the blackhead. — Deanna Pai, Glamour, "How to Get Rid of Blackheads the Right Way," 16 Sep. 2020 The friction of the mask can also block and clog pores, leading to the formation of comedones or blackheads, says Dr. Suozzi. — Leah Groth, Health.com, "'Maskne' Is a Real Thing—Here's How to Stop Face Mask Breakouts," 15 May 2020 Here are some weirdly mesmerizing blackhead removal videos. — Christopher Rosa, Glamour, "15 Dr. Pimple Popper Videos That Are Deeply Satisfying," 3 Apr. 2020 Since BHAs remove the pore-cloggers that lead to acne, salicylic acid is best for preventing blackheads and whiteheads. — Katie Bourque, Good Housekeeping, "AHAs vs. BHAs: Which Chemical Exfoliant Is Right for Your Skin?," 30 Mar. 2020 If the pore is open to the air, the gunk inside oxidizes, creating a blackhead. — Sarah Jacoby, SELF, "PSA: It’s Totally Fine and Normal to Have Visible Pores on Your Face," 23 July 2019 This anti-redness exfoliating solution is formulated to be nonirritating and to help clear acne, blackheads, and bumps by unclogging pores after cleansing. — Madison Durham, USA TODAY, "20 top-rated skincare products you can get at Paula’s Choice," 12 Mar. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'blackhead.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about blackhead

Dictionary Entries near blackhead

black-headed grosbeak

Statistics for blackhead

Cite this Entry

“Blackhead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blackhead. Accessed 28 Feb. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for blackhead

blackhead

noun

English Language Learners Definition of blackhead

: a small, inflamed area on the skin with a dark spot in the middle

See the full definition for blackhead in the English Language Learners Dictionary

blackhead

noun

black·head | \ ˈblak-ˌhed

Kids Definition of blackhead

: a darkened bit of oily material blocking a pore in the skin

blackhead

noun

black·head | \ ˈblak-ˌhed

Medical Definition of blackhead

1 : a small plug of sebum blocking the duct of a sebaceous gland especially on the face — compare milium

2 : a destructive disease of turkeys and related birds caused by a protozoan of the genus Histomonas (H. meleagridis) that invades the intestinal ceca and liver

— called also enterohepatitis, histomoniasis, infectious enterohepatitis