birthmark

American  

[burth-mahrk] / ˈbɜrθˌmɑrk /

noun

1. a minor disfigurement or blemish on a person's skin at birth; nevus.

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birthmark British  

/ ˈbɜːθˌmɑːk /

noun

1. a blemish or new growth on skin formed before birth, usually brown or dark red; naevus

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Etymology

Origin of birthmark

First recorded in 1570–80; birth + mark ¹

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

And while one hesitates to say “in spite of,” Ms. Naud has cultivated a healthy career in genre films with a very prominent nevus, or birthmark, under her right eye.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 9, 2025

He has the tender, shining eyes of an ingenue while Del Campo, who has a striking birthmark on her cheek, is a femme fatale able to hold her own against Wolff’s selfish, useless playboy.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2025

Amba Smith, who also features in the exhibition, has a birthmark that stretches from her head to her toes and also affects her internal organs.

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 birthmark over her eye was getting darker and looked more and more like a stem and rose.

From "Sula" by Toni Morrison