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

Example Sentences

One gets the sense that Miriam’s inner darkness is inseparable from her brilliance, like Georgiana’s birthmark in Hawthorne’s early short story.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 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

He also has a birthmark on his left arm and hand.

From BBC • Oct. 22, 2023

My little sister had a birthmark there,”’ Seiler said, recounting those who called in to the show.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 7, 2023

The upside-down, mandolin-shaped birthmark beneath his collarbone, glowing red.

From "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini