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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
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
Whether breezy linen panels in the living room or heavier drapes in the bedroom, those long fabrics catch pollen, pet dander, cooking residue, and everyday dust.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
Plus, shop more of my favorite products for keeping my home allergy-, dust-, and dander-free, below.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2026
If pets share the bed, allergy-triggering dander adds another layer of buildup, making more frequent washing especially important.
—Kate Donovan, Martha Stewart, 26 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Dander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dander. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
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dander
noun
