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
Calin Van Paris, Outside, 29 Jan. 2026
Plus, features like a sensitive air quality sensor that can detect dander from pet hair and reach the highest speed needed to regulate the air in a matter of minutes.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 27 Jan. 2026
Dust mites, pet dander, and pollen are common triggers of allergies in your home.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 19 Jan. 2026
Designed for everyday use, this model keeps indoor air fresher by reducing smoke, pet dander, and lingering cooking odors.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dander
Cite this Entry
“Dander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dander. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dander
noun
