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

“It’s about: ‘Oh, let’s look at your dandruff up close, and how dirty your scalp is before and how clean after,’ because it’s not something you see with the naked eye,” Hallajian said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 21, 2024

People with dandruff may also want to shampoo once a day, said Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, a dermatologist based in La Jolla, California.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 23, 2023

Sometimes she brushed his jacket free of hair and dandruff; he adjusted her worn quilt robe in return, tugging at the shoulders, buttoning the rhinestone buttons.

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen