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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Whereas androgenetic alopecia is characterized by the shrinking of hair follicles, which leads to thin, barely noticeable hair, the key indicators of CCCA are inflammation and damage to the follicles. Sierra Leone Starks, Allure, 24 June 2025 Some studies show that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can nourish the hair follicles, which leads to stronger, healthier hair, less inflammation on the scalp, and an increase of blood flow to the hair follicles to stimulate hair growth. Christina Pérez, Vogue, 23 June 2025 These old beauty standards were likely the reasons Marilyn Monroe and Rita Hayworth underwent hairline electrolysis, a painful procedure that involves using a metal probe to zap individual hair follicles, permanently getting rid of any affected hair. Jennifer Adams, StyleCaster, 19 May 2025 Since hair follicles contain stem cells that support skin healing, fewer hair follicles could translate into fewer stem cells and a slower mending of scrapes and scratches in humans. Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hair follicle

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hair follicle was in 1838

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hair follicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hair%20follicle. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on hair follicle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!