birthmark
Americannoun
-
birthmarks
plural
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of birthmark
Explanation
A birthmark is a permanent spot on your skin, often dark brown colored. The actress Marilyn Monroe was famous for a small birthmark just above her lip. Most birthmarks are present from birth or soon after, and many are pigmented much darker than the surrounding skin. Strawberry and port wine birthmarks, on the other hand, are bright red. The causes of birthmarks vary, but they're almost always harmless. In the 17th century, they were sometimes called "longing marks," supposedly demonstrating the pregnant mother's longing for something before her baby was born.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
“Is that red spot on his head a rash or a birthmark I didn’t notice?”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 13, 2026
They are asking the public to keep an eye out for the 5-foot-7 Asian male, who has black hair, black eyes, a birthmark on his left upper shoulder and weighs around 170 pounds.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 16, 2025
Amba, whose birthmark is one of a number of features of Sturge-Weber Syndrome, said finding self-acceptance was an ongoing journey.
From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2024
My little sister had a birthmark there,”’ Seiler said, recounting those who called in to the show.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 7, 2023
The girl in Mrs. Janssen's pantry may or may not have had a birthmark; Mrs. Janssen doesn't remember seeing one, but admits she could have been wrong.
From "Girl in the Blue Coat" by Monica Hesse
She says she is now starting to show more of her birthmarks in public, including wearing shorts outside for the very first time during a recent spell of hot weather.
From BBC ● Aug. 23, 2026
Mutations in the skin, for example, occasionally resulted in unusual pigment patterns such as port-wine stain birthmarks.
From Science Magazine ● Aug. 15, 2023
James also wore tattoos, some which matched her birthmarks.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 2, 2022
The finalists are examined by the priest’s wife for scars, birthmarks and other perceived defects.
From New York Times ● Jul. 15, 2022
They have identical birthmarks, diminutive caramel crescents over their left eyelids, and their braids hang in duplicate ropes down their backs.
From "Dreaming in Cuban" by Cristina García
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
