dandruff

noun dan·druff \ ˈdan-drəf \

Updated on: 28 Apr 2018

Definition of dandruff

: scaly white or grayish flakes of dead skin cells especially of the scalp; also : the condition marked by excessive shedding of such flakes and usually accompanied by itching

—

dandruffy

play \-drə-fē\ adjective

See dandruff defined for English-language learners

See dandruff defined for kids

Examples of dandruff in a Sentence

The shampoo is supposed to help control dandruff.

Recent Examples of dandruff from the Web

Almost everyone and their mother has experienced some semblance of a scalp concern at one point or another, which can include mild irritation, itchiness, dandruff, or in more severe cases, scalp dermatitis.

— kaleigh fasanella, Allure, "18 Scalp Treatments That Work Wonders on Dryness and Irritation," 23 Mar. 2018
Their photo ops featured one painfully awkward moment when Trump flicked dandruff off Macron's shoulder before a White House meeting.

— alex scimecca, Fortune, "See Trump and Macron’s Awkward Handshakes and Interactions," 14 July 2017
Speeding Driver Had Good Reason for Not Stopping for Police Trump rips reporter for asking about Michael Cohen: 'Stupid question' Trump brushes off dandruff from Emmanuel Macron's shoulder Inform News.

— kelly potts, Woman's Day, "Pregnant Woman Held at Gunpoint for Speeding to Hospital," 16 Oct. 2014
Seborrheic dermatitis, for example, is a major cause of dandruff and has an entirely different treatment plan than eczema.

— korin miller, SELF, "Yes, You Can Get Eczema on Your Scalp," 4 Apr. 2018
This month, Oribe introduced a dandruff collection called Serene Scalp.

— rachel felder, New York Times, "Dandruff Shampoos Have Gone Chic," 20 Feb. 2018
In his memoir, Mr. Peterson alluded to the trail of cigar ashes left by the earthy Glucksman and to the dandruff on the shoulders of his suit coat.

— david stout, Washington Post, "Peter G. Peterson, financier who warned of rising national debt, dies at 91," 20 Mar. 2018
But dandruff is just one of many common scalp conditions that can mess with your daily routine.

— mona gohara, Good Housekeeping, "7 Common Scalp Issues — And How to Treat Them," 13 Mar. 2018
See your primary care doctor to treat minor bug bites, rosacea, minor rashes, cysts, dandruff or athlete’s foot.

— ashley catherine woods, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "6 unexpected health concerns your primary care doctor can treat you for," 12 Mar. 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of dandruff

probably from dand- (origin unknown) + -ruff, from Middle English rove scabby condition, from Old Norse hrūfa scab; akin to Old High German hruf scurf, Lithuanian kraupus rough

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1545

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

DANDRUFF Defined for English Language Learners

dandruff

noun

Definition of dandruff for English Language Learners

: very small white pieces of dead skin that form especially on a person's head

DANDRUFF Defined for Kids

dandruff

noun dan·druff \ ˈdan-drəf \

Definition of dandruff for Students

: thin dry whitish flakes of dead skin that form on the scalp and come off freely

Medical Dictionary

dandruff

noun dan·druff \ ˈdan-drəf \

medical Definition of dandruff

: scaly white or grayish flakes of dead skin cells especially of the scalp; also : the condition marked by excessive shedding of such flakes and usually accompanied by itching

—