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
Examples of follicle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The longer a follicle sits in a petri dish, the lower its survival rate.
—
Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026
As daylight decreases, a larger group of follicles may enter the resting phase.
—Connie Etemadi, Miami Herald, 31 Dec. 2025
Used on dry hair before shampooing, the rinse-out treatment relies on lactic, tartaric, and benzoic acids to loosen dead skin, unclog follicles, and rebalance the scalp—key steps for managing dandruff and flakiness.
—Allure, 18 Dec. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for follicle
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Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026
As daylight decreases, a larger group of follicles may enter the resting phase.
—Connie Etemadi, Miami Herald, 31 Dec. 2025
Used on dry hair before shampooing, the rinse-out treatment relies on lactic, tartaric, and benzoic acids to loosen dead skin, unclog follicles, and rebalance the scalp—key steps for managing dandruff and flakiness.
—Allure, 18 Dec. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for follicle
Cite this Entry
“Follicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/follicle. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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)
2
: a dry one-celled fruit (as in the milkweed) that splits open by one seam when ripe
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
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