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

Even people with long, strong strands look for ways to add thickness, whether through a scalp serum, follicle-stimulating oil, or volume-boosting mousse. — Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 30 July 2026

Made from eco-friendly wheat straw, the Scalp Massager can be used on a wet or dry scalp to trigger circulation and follicles, bring balance, relieve tension, clear out buildup and improve the absorption of the hair oil. — Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Yet only about a quarter of women present with extra follicles. — Anissa Durham, STAT, 28 July 2026

Not every expert believes restoration begins at the follicle, however. — Ramona Saviss, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026

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