dandruff

noun

dan·​druff ˈdan-drəf 

: 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

ˈdan-drə-fē 

adjective

Examples of dandruff in a Sentence

The shampoo is supposed to help control dandruff.

Recent Examples on the Web

Know your treatment options Plain dandruff and a more inflamed seborrheic dermatitis flare-up aren’t always easy to tell apart on your own, but the timeline is a good clue. — Ayren Jackson-Cannady, Allure, 20 Aug. 2026

For starters, its main ingredient is pyrithion zinc, which can stop the growth of yeast and other bacteria that cause dandruff. — Parents, 14 Aug. 2026

For hair and scalp, peppermint oil shampoo and other products effectively prevent dandruff, soothing itchy or dry skin and improving head and hair health. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

Olive oil may help with psoriasis and dandruff, while grapeseed oil can help repair hair that’s been damaged by chemicals. — Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 11 Aug. 2026

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

Phrases Containing dandruff

• anti-dandruff

Kids Definition

dandruff

noun

dan·​druff ˈdan-drəf 

: 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 

: 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

-ē 

adjective