dandruff

noun

dan·​druff ˈdan-drəf How to pronounce dandruff (audio)
: 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 adjective

Examples of dandruff in a Sentence

The shampoo is supposed to help control dandruff.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Behind the Hair Thickening Shampoo is biotin, rosemary oil—which experts say improves blood circulation for healthy follicles, fights bacteria and dandruff, and may indeed help with hair growth—caffeine, and prebiotics to give your scalp the healthiest environment possible for hair to thrive. Sarah Han, Allure, 30 Nov. 2024 Itchy, flaky dandruff is a super common (but annoying) skin condition and hair care conundrum. Sara Coughlin, SELF, 15 Oct. 2024 Dermatologists say that scalp treatments promote circulation and detoxify, as well as calm and hydrate skin, all of which can help prevent dandruff, itchiness, dryness and inflammation. Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024 Not to be confused with dandruff, Mathieu says that a dry scalp will present itself with smaller flakes and oiliness on the skin or within the hair. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dandruff 

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dandruff was in 1545

Dictionary Entries Near dandruff

Cite this Entry

“Dandruff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dandruff. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

dandruff

noun
dan·​druff ˈdan-drəf How to pronounce dandruff (audio)
: scaly white or grayish flakes of dead skin cells especially of the scalp
also : the condition marked by the excessive shedding of such flakes

Medical Definition

dandruff

noun
dan·​druff ˈdan-drəf How to pronounce dandruff (audio)
: 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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on dandruff

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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