split end

noun

1

: an offensive football end who lines up usually several yards to the side of the formation

2

: a hair tip that has become frayed (as from dryness)

—usually used in plural

Examples of split end in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Key ingredients like shea butter help lock in moisture without leaving hair feeling heavy or greasy, while moringa oil is packed with vitamins that provide moisture, strengthen hair, combat split ends, and nourish the scalp. —Jamie Wilson, Glamour, 20 Feb. 2026

These materials reduce the risk of attachments overheating or snagging, creating a gentle blow-dry that minimizes breakage and split ends. —Essence Wiley, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026

After a rinse-off mask and a day and night serum (which won a PEOPLE beauty award in 2025) it's added a balm which repairs split ends by relinking broken bonds for visibly healthier hair. —Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026

Whether hair is bleached, color treated, or frequently heat styled, this formula aims to minimize breakage, reduce frizz, and smooth the appearance of split ends for a healthier-looking finish. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for split end

• amend
• append
• ascend
• attend
• backend
• befriend
• boyfriend
• commend
• compend
• contend
• defend
• depend