whitehead

noun

white·​head ˈ(h)wīt-ˌhed 

: a small whitish elevation of the skin (as on the face) due to retention of sebum and dead skin cells in a skin pore blocked by a thin layer of epithelium

called also closed comedo, comedo, milium

compare blackhead sense 1

Examples of whitehead in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Almost never involves blackheads or whiteheads like bacterial acne. —Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2025

Keep reading for options that target more severe and persistent breakouts, as well as formulas that fight whiteheads, target cystic acne, and fade dark spots. —Ariel Wodarcyk, Glamour, 6 Aug. 2025

Unlike regular acne, the bumps from rosacea don’t typically have blackheads or whiteheads and are often accompanied by flushing, visible blood vessels and sensitivity. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 12 June 2025

Presence of blackheads: People with acne often have blackheads in addition to whiteheads; those with rosacea do not. —Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 10 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for whitehead

• abovesaid
• aforesaid
• arrowhead
• casinghead
• copperhead
• figurehead
• fountainhead
• gingerbread
• hammerhead
• infrared
• leatherhead
• letterhead

Kids Definition

whitehead

noun

white·​head ˈhwīt-ˌhed 

ˈwīt-

: a small whitish lump in the skin caused by the fluid given off by an oil gland when the canal leading from the gland is blocked

Medical Definition

whitehead

noun

white·​head -ˌhed 

1

: a small whitish noninflammatory elevation of the skin (as on the face) due to retention of sebum and dead skin cells in a skin pore blocked by a thin layer of epithelium

called also closed comedo, comedo

compare blackhead sense 1

2

: milium sense 1

Biographical Definition

Whitehead 1 of 2

biographical name (1)

White·​head ˈ(h)wīt-ˌhed 

Alfred North 1861–1947 English mathematician and philosopher

Whitehead

2 of 2

biographical name (2)

William 1715–1785 English dramatist; poet laureate (1757–85)