scalp

1 of 2

noun

ˈskalp 

1

a

: the part of the integument of the human head usually covered with hair in both sexes

b

: the part of an animal (such as a wolf or fox) corresponding to the human scalp

2

a

: a part of the human scalp with attached hair cut or torn from an enemy as a token of victory

b

: a trophy of victory or accomplishment

3

chiefly Scotland : a projecting mass of bare ground or rock

scalp

2 of 2

verb

scalped; scalping; scalps

transitive verb

1

a

: to deprive of the scalp

b

: to remove an upper part from

2

: to remove a desired constituent from and discard the rest

3

: to buy and sell so as to make small quick profits

scalp stocks

scalp grain

especially : to resell at greatly increased prices

scalp theater tickets

intransitive verb

1

: to take scalps

2

: to profit by slight market fluctuations

scalper noun

Examples of scalp in a Sentence

Verb

Some members of the tribe were scalped by the attacking warriors.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Miriam Quevedo, hairstylist and owner of the eponymous scalp care brand, is one of coconut oil's superfans. —Ana Morales, Vogue, 8 Dec. 2024

All four sides are designed to contour to different areas of the face for effective massage; the prongs also work as a scalp massager. —Adam Mansuroglu, WWD, 8 Dec. 2024

Verb

Lustig presents his slasher, told entirely from the perspective of Frank Zito (Joe Spinell), a killer with a penchant for scalping women and conversing with his mannequins, from a gritty, psychological perspective. —Meagan Navarro, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024

Republicans and Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee also debated possible action, including making tickets non-transferable to cut down on scalping and requiring more transparency in ticket fees. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, crown of the head, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse skālpr sheath; akin to Middle Dutch schelpe shell

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1676, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing scalp

• go after someone's scalp
• scalp lock
• want someone's scalp

Kids Definition

scalp

1 of 2 noun

ˈskalp 

1

: the part of the skin and flesh of the head usually covered with hair

2

: a part of the human scalp cut or torn from an enemy especially as a sign of victory

scalp

2 of 2 verb

1

: to remove the scalp from

2

: to buy and resell at much higher prices

scalp theater tickets

scalper noun

Medical Definition

scalp

noun

ˈskalp 

: the part of the integument of the head usually covered with hair in both sexes

Legal Definition

scalp

transitive verb

: to buy and sell so as to make small quick profits

scalp stocks

especially : to resell at greatly increased prices

intransitive verb

: to profit by slight market fluctuations

scalper noun