whitehead

noun

white·​head ˈ(h)wīt-ˌhed How to pronounce whitehead (audio)
: 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 These types of patches are usually more expensive per patch than those that are designed to just treat whiteheads. Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 26 Oct. 2023 It’s got 2 percent salicylic acid to unclog pores and bust through whiteheads and blackheads. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2024 Recap Non-inflammatory acne is more common and typically includes whiteheads and blackheads. Angela Palmer, Verywell Health, 17 Jan. 2024 Acne is a skin condition usually consisting of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or acne cysts and nodules (painful acne). Bella Gerard, Health, 26 Jan. 2024 This includes blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and cysts. Jenn Barthole, Glamour, 17 Jan. 2024 Pimples under the skin's surface that erupt with a white center are called whiteheads. Health Editorial Team, Health, 30 Oct. 2023 The effective ingredients stored in each little patch help to visually minimize painful bumps overnight but are most effective on spots with whiteheads. Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 26 Oct. 2023 There’s no whitehead If there’s no whitehead, do not try to pop. Leah Campano, Seventeen, 14 Apr. 2023

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

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of whitehead was in 1886

Dictionary Entries Near whitehead

Cite this Entry

“Whitehead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whitehead. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

whitehead

noun
white·​head ˈhwīt-ˌhed How to pronounce whitehead (audio)
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 How to pronounce whitehead (audio)
: milium

Biographical Definition

Whitehead 1 of 2

biographical name (1)

White·​head ˈ(h)wīt-ˌhed How to pronounce Whitehead (audio)
Alfred North 1861–1947 English mathematician and philosopher

Whitehead

2 of 2

biographical name (2)

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

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