plural scalps
1
: the skin on the top of your head where hair grows
2
: hair and skin that is cut or torn from the head of an enemy as a sign of victory
—often used figuratively
His boss wants his scalp. [=wants to fire him]
Parents of some students are (going) after the principal's scalp.
scalps; scalped; scalping
1
: to remove the hair and skin from the head of (an enemy) as a sign of victory
Some members of the tribe were scalped by the attacking warriors.
2
US
: to buy tickets for an event and resell them at a much higher price
People were scalping [=(Brit) touting] tickets outside the stadium.
Cite this Entry
“Scalp.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/scalp. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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