follicle

noun

fol·​li·​cle ˈfä-li-kəl 

1

a

: a small anatomical cavity or deep narrow-mouthed depression

b

: a small lymph node

c

: a vesicle in the mammalian ovary that contains a developing egg surrounded by a covering of cells

especially : graafian follicle

2

: a dry dehiscent one-celled many-seeded fruit (as of the milkweed) that has a single carpel and opens along one suture

follicular

fə-ˈli-kyə-lər 

fä-

adjective

Examples of follicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its formula is primarily designed to combat chronic and acute stress on the scalp and follicles, inflammation, and oxidative damage. —Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 25 Nov. 2025

The follicles stay inside the skin and then enter a new growth cycle. —Wyles Daniel, Freep.com, 25 Nov. 2025

When their feathers are plucked, their feather follicles become slightly raised, and that’s what gives their skin that bumpy look. —Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 12 Nov. 2025

The gel was doing its work—its stealthy reconstruction of skin cells and follicles and mental states. —James Marcus, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin folliculus, from Latin, diminutive of follis bag — more at fool

First Known Use

1715, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing follicle

• follicle mite
• follicle-stimulating hormone
• graafian follicle
• hair follicle

Rhymes for follicle

• diabolical
• symbolical

Kids Definition

follicle

noun

fol·​li·​cle ˈfäl-i-kəl 

1

a

: a small cavity or a deep bodily depression with a narrow mouth (as one from which a hair grows)

b

: graafian follicle

2

: a dry one-celled fruit (as in the milkweed) that splits open by one seam when ripe

follicular

fə-ˈlik-yə-lər 

fä-

adjective

Medical Definition

follicle

noun

fol·​li·​cle ˈfäl-i-kəl 

1

: a small anatomical cavity or deep narrow-mouthed depression

especially : a small simple or slightly branched gland : crypt

2

: a small lymph node

3

: a vesicle in the mammalian ovary that contains a developing egg surrounded by a covering of cells : ovarian follicle

especially : graafian follicle

follicular

fə-ˈlik-yə-lər, fä- 

adjective