cowlick

American  

[kou-lik] / ˈkaʊˌlɪk /

noun

1. a tuft of hair that grows in a direction different from that of the rest of the hair.

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cowlick British  

/ ˈkaʊˌlɪk /

noun

1. a tuft of hair over the forehead

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Etymology

Origin of cowlick

First recorded in 1590–1600; cow ¹ + lick

Example Sentences

You might be surprised to learn that you can’t comb the hairs flat on a coconut without creating a cowlick.

From Scientific American

“It’s like a cowlick,” she says, her hand rubbing along it.

From Washington Post

The cowlicks in the fur, the bottoms of the paws, the spots on the tummy.

From Seattle Times

Jones is an odd strain of rebel — not a slick James Dean clone, but a cowlick that can’t help doing its own thing.

From New York Times

I said, “No, Harper. It’s funny you say that, because it’s actually a cowlick.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• eyebrow
• fiber
• fur
• grass
• haircut
• hairstyle
• mane
• sideburn
• strand
• wig
• wool