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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When combined with sweat, dirt, and dead skin cells, excess sebum can clog pores, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts. Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2025 Here's how dermatologists suggest dealing with whiteheads. Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025 Testers considered performance across formula strength, efficacy (whether for blackheads, whiteheads, dark spots, etc.), and results while keeping the price in mind. Deanna Pai, Allure, 23 Dec. 2024 Not to mention, there are various types of acne, from superficial blackheads and whiteheads to hormonal cysts. Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for whitehead 

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 12 Feb. 2025.

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)
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

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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