dandruff

American  

[dan-druhf] / ˈdæn drəf /

Also dandriff

noun

1. a seborrheic scurf that forms on the scalp and comes off in small scales.

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dandruff British  

/ ˈdændrəf /

noun

1. Also called (now rarely): dandriff.  loose scales of dry dead skin shed from the scalp

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Other Word Forms

• dandriffy adjective
• dandruffy adjective

Etymology

Origin of dandruff

First recorded in 1535–45; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

“We do have a very special relationship. In fact, I’ll get that little piece of dandruff off. You have a little piece,” Trump said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Later that day in the Oval Office, Trump brushed what he described as a bit of dandruff from Macron’s shoulder.

From Salon • Nov. 23, 2025

My scalp analysis, conducted by Tou Dao Tang’s Sherry Zhu, again reported oily skin, dandruff and sleep deprivation as well as a possible nutrition deficiency, Zhu said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 21, 2024

Readers of this column report that using Selsun Blue dandruff shampoo as a face wash can be helpful.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 15, 2023

That when dames had dandruff, it was often just flakes from their hairspray.

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen