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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
Tory Johnson, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026
However, someone pets (and people) experience year-round symptoms due to indoor allergens like dust mites, mold or pet dander.
—Trisha Easto, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
The most common offenders, with regard to allergic reactions, are pet dander, dust and pollen.
—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
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Cite this Entry
“Dander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dander. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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dander
noun
