balding

American  

[bawl-ding] / ˈbɔl dɪŋ /

adjective

1. losing hair on the scalp; becoming bald.

   a middle-aged, balding man.

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noun

1. the process of becoming bald.

   There are numerous causes for balding, such as genetics and poor nutrition.

balding British  

/ ˈbɔːldɪŋ /

adjective

1. somewhat bald or becoming bald

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Etymology

Origin of balding

First recorded in 1935–40; bald ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) balding for def. 1, or -ing ¹ ( def. ) balding for def. 2

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Explanation

If your dad is losing his hair, you can describe him as balding — although it may hurt his feelings if he's sensitive about his looks. Someone who's balding is well on his way to being bald. He may have a shiny bald patch on the back of his head or just extremely thin wisps of hair all over — either way, he's balding. Both balding and bald probably originated from the Celtic root word bal, which means "white patch or blaze," especially one that's found on a horse or another animal's head.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

balding

His balding head’s scraggly hair—in contrast to the wigs worn by just about every Frenchman at the time, no matter the social class—is both ennobling and a bit enfeebling, like an aging but distinguished mane.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 12, 2026

For men, it’s mostly caused by the body’s hereditary response to the hormone dihydrotestosterone and can lead to balding.

From MarketWatch ● Feb. 25, 2026

He then embraces a now slightly balding Woody, as ever portrayed by Tom Hanks.

From BBC ● Feb. 20, 2026

Roughly half of the poll’s respondents, despite showing no symptoms of balding, said they were interested in remedies.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 5, 2026

Tall, thin, and balding, he moved toward Uncle Vernon, his hand outstretched, but Uncle Vernon backed away several paces, dragging Aunt Petunia.

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling

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