hair follicle

noun

: the tubular epithelial sheath that surrounds the lower part of the hair shaft and encloses at the bottom a vascular papilla supplying the growing basal part of the hair with nourishment see hair illustration

Examples of hair follicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Factors such as daily stress, hormones, and the relentless pace of modern life contribute to weaker hair strands, dormant hair follicles, and thinning hair. —Tatiana Dias, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026

The surgeon must take individual hair follicles from the donor area and protect them in a special solution while making microincisions in the recipient area. —William Jones, Sacbee.com, 5 Feb. 2026

In hair research, studies suggest that gentle electrical signals can help influence how hair follicles behave by supporting the cells that control hair growth. —Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 4 Feb. 2026

When applied to the scalp, minoxidil increases blood flow and stimulates your hair follicles to regrow hair. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 31 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hair follicle

• diabolical
• symbolical

Kids Definition

hair follicle

noun

: the tube-shaped sheath surrounding the lower part of a hair shaft

Medical Definition

hair follicle

noun

: the tubular epithelial sheath that surrounds the lower part of the hair shaft and encloses at the bottom a vascular papilla supplying the growing basal part of the hair with nourishment