scalp

1 of 2

noun

ˈskalp 

1

a

: the part of the integument of the human head usually covered with hair in both sexes

b

: the part of an animal (such as a wolf or fox) corresponding to the human scalp

2

a

: a part of the human scalp with attached hair cut or torn from an enemy as a token of victory

b

: a trophy of victory or accomplishment

3

chiefly Scotland : a projecting mass of bare ground or rock

scalp

2 of 2

verb

scalped; scalping; scalps

transitive verb

1

a

: to deprive of the scalp

b

: to remove an upper part from

2

: to remove a desired constituent from and discard the rest

3

: to buy and sell so as to make small quick profits

scalp stocks

scalp grain

especially : to resell at greatly increased prices

scalp theater tickets

intransitive verb

1

: to take scalps

2

: to profit by slight market fluctuations

scalper noun

Examples of scalp in a Sentence

Verb

Some members of the tribe were scalped by the attacking warriors.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This oil is beneficial for everything from stretch marks to beards to scalps, per the brand. —Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 8 July 2025

Spread the dry shampoo evenly over the scalp to avoid clumping or product particles. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 3 July 2025

Verb

The sky is instantly filled with flying arrows, falling victims right and left, as attackers on horseback and on foot zoom in and out frame, shooting, stabbing, scalping and engaging in hand-to-hand combat. —Todd Longwell, Variety, 10 June 2025

Nintendo prepared for the possibility of scalping ahead of the game console’s preorder period; buyers who wanted a unit directly from their stores could only purchase one system per account and had to meet specific requirements, including 50 hours of playtime on their Switch account. —Megan Farokhmanesh, Wired News, 4 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, crown of the head, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse skālpr sheath; akin to Middle Dutch schelpe shell

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1676, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing scalp

• go after someone's scalp
• scalp lock
• want someone's scalp

Kids Definition

scalp

1 of 2 noun

ˈskalp 

1

: the part of the skin and flesh of the head usually covered with hair

2

: a part of the human scalp cut or torn from an enemy especially as a sign of victory

scalp

2 of 2 verb

1

: to remove the scalp from

2

: to buy and resell at much higher prices

scalp theater tickets

scalper noun

Medical Definition

scalp

noun

ˈskalp 

: the part of the integument of the head usually covered with hair in both sexes

Legal Definition

scalp

transitive verb

: to buy and sell so as to make small quick profits

scalp stocks

especially : to resell at greatly increased prices

intransitive verb

: to profit by slight market fluctuations

scalper noun