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

Rugs trap dust, dirt, allergens, odors, pet hair, dander, and more. — Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2026

Replace air filters every three months and regularly vacuum pet dander to cut down on dust accumulation long-term. — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 2 Nov. 2026

The cleaning expert recommends vacuuming carpets, rugs, and upholstery regularly and investing in a vacuum with a good filter to capture odor-causing loose hair and dander. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2026

Without the extra layer, pillows are more exposed to sweat, dead skin cells, beauty products, dust, and even pet dander if pets sleep in the bed. — Annita Katee, Martha Stewart, 21 Oct. 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