scalp

1 of 2

noun

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
Best for: Thick or coarse hair How to Use: Apply either scalp scrub, shampoo, or oil, then gently press the rubber tips to the scalp and massage, repeating all around the scalp. Deanna Pai, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2024 The bear then got ahold of Galante’s hair and scalp and started pulling. Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 7 Mar. 2024 Yeast can also build up on the scalp and cause infections; Malassezia yeast on the scalp can cause seborrheic dermatitis—an itchy, flaky rash—while Candida yeast can lead to symptoms such as scalp itchiness or blisters.1 Sleeping on wet hair can also make existing dandruff worse, Zeichner added. Korin Miller, Health, 7 Mar. 2024 The shampoo is made with nourishing ingredients, like biotin for strength, zinc to protect hair follicles, and a unique energy complex that’s designed to stimulate the scalp, thus stimulating hair growth. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 Both of these oils contain fatty acids to hydrate the scalp and soften hair. Macaela MacKenzie, Glamour, 27 Feb. 2024 Rosemary oil, tea tree oil and bisabolol join forces to soothe and balance the scalp biome for healthy hair. Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Vaughn said a lot of Black men can have diseases of the scalp and hair. Journal Sentinel, 16 Feb. 2024 Not to mention the business with foreskins, demanded by God like genital loot, the spoils of victory, so many scalps. James Wood, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024
Verb
She also apparently had been scalped, according to court documents. Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 5 Mar. 2024 Hajji Aman had scars running up and down his skull, from when he was scalped by Spetsnaz. Jamil Jan Kochai, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2024 Thanks to the general convenience of online platforms and mobile ticketing apps, any event can be a victim of counterfeit and/or stolen tickets as well as scalping. Sonali Nair, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024 At least one Longobard law called for cutting the hair and removing the skull's skin (scalping). Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 15 Feb. 2023 But there are significant environmental issues involved in scalping eastern Nevada’s mountainous public lands of century-old trees standing 15 to 20 feet tall. Louis Sahagún, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2024 Native Americans certainly scalped white settlers dating back to the 1600s. Christoph Strobel, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2023 Neither the fear of being scalped nor the possibility of freezing to death in a prairie winter are as daunting as this man, mainly because he’s played by Nicolas Cage. Kyle Smith, WSJ, 19 Oct. 2023 Different groups have historically used scalping to terrorize people. Christoph Strobel, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scalp.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of scalp was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near scalp

Cite this Entry

“Scalp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scalp. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

scalp

1 of 2 noun
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
: 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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