scalp

American  

[skalp] / skælp /

noun

1. the integument of the upper part of the head, usually including the associated subcutaneous structures.

2. a part of this integument with the accompanying hair, severed from the head of an enemy as a sign of victory, as by some North American Indians and others during the colonial and frontier periods in the U.S.

3. any token of victory.

4. the integument on the top of the head of an animal.

5. Informal. a small profit made in quick buying and selling.

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verb (used with object)

scalps, present (3rd person singular) scalped, past participle, past scalping present participle

1. to cut or tear the scalp from.

2. Informal.

   1. to resell (tickets, merchandise, etc.) at higher than the official rates.

   2. to buy and sell (stocks) so as to make small quick profits.

3. to plane down the surfaces of (an ingot, billet, or slab).

verb (used without object)

scalps, present (3rd person singular) scalped, past participle, past scalping present participle

1. Informal. to scalp tickets, stocks, or the like.

scalp British  

/ skælp /

noun

1. anatomy the skin and subcutaneous tissue covering the top of the head

2. (among North American Indians) a part of this removed as a trophy from a slain enemy

3. a trophy or token signifying conquest

4. hunting a piece of hide cut from the head of a victim as a trophy or as proof of killing in order to collect a bounty

5. informal a small speculative profit taken in quick transactions

6. dialect a projection of bare rock from vegetation

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verb

1. to cut the scalp from

2. informal to purchase and resell (securities) quickly so as to make several small profits

3. informal to buy (tickets) cheaply and resell at an inflated price

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• scalpless
  adjective
• scalper
  noun

Conjugated Forms

Present

• has scalped
  perfect 3rd person singular
• have scalped
  perfect
• am scalping
  progressive 1st person singular
• have been scalping
  perfect progressive
• scalping
  participle
• are scalping
  progressive
• scalps
  singular 3rd person
• is scalping
  progressive 3rd person singular
• has been scalping
  perfect progressive 3rd person singular

Past

• had scalped
  perfect
• had been scalping
  perfect progressive
• scalped
  participle
• was scalping
  progressive singular
• were scalping
  progressive plural
• scalped
  simple

Future

• will scalp
  simple
• will have scalped
  perfect
• will have been scalping
  perfect progressive
• will be scalping
  progressive

Etymology

Origin of scalp

1250–1300; Middle English (north) (noun), perhaps < Old Norse skālpr sheath (hence, metaphorically a covering)

Example Sentences

Finasteride works by targeting hormones involved in follicle shrinkage, while minoxidil is commonly used on the scalp to encourage growth.

From Science Daily • Jun. 7, 2026

Inside, there are stations of SPF lotions, rows of toner pads and scanners that purport to analyze skin and scalp health.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

The hair closest to the scalp will cover the most recent month, the next centimetre the next month, and so on.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

His uniform and scalp were lined with glistening rivulets of oil, water, soot and sweat.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2026

My scalp started buzzing like I knew where she was headed.

From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen