whitehead
noun
white·head
ˈ(h)wīt-ˌhed
: a small whitish elevation of the skin (as on the face) due to retention of sebum and dead skin cells in a skin pore blocked by a thin layer of epithelium
called also closed comedo, comedo, milium
compare blackhead sense 1Examples of whitehead in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Not to mention, there are various types of acne, from superficial blackheads and whiteheads to hormonal cysts.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 14 Oct. 2024
Ultra-thin and transparent, the patches are suited for any skin type, and they’ve been clinically proven to clear up blackheads, whiteheads, and acne in just a day.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 14 Sep. 2024
But there are certain situations where popping a pimple may be an acceptable option, like if the pimple has a visible whitehead or a blackhead that's close to the skin's surface.
—Korin Miller, Health, 11 Sep. 2024
In fact, whiteheads—which are technically an early stage of acne—aren’t even really poppable, Dr. Mariwalla says.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 16 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for whitehead
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1886, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near whitehead
Cite this Entry
“Whitehead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whitehead. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
whitehead
noun
white·head
ˈhwīt-ˌhed
ˈwīt-
: a small whitish lump in the skin caused by the fluid given off by an oil gland when the canal leading from the gland is blocked
Medical Definition
whitehead
noun
white·head
-ˌhed
1
: a small whitish noninflammatory elevation of the skin (as on the face) due to retention of sebum and dead skin cells in a skin pore blocked by a thin layer of epithelium
called also closed comedo, comedo
compare blackhead sense 12
Biographical Definition
Whitehead 1 of 2
biographical name (1)
White·head
ˈ(h)wīt-ˌhed
Alfred North 1861–1947 English mathematician and philosopher
Whitehead
2 of 2biographical name (2)
William 1715–1785 English dramatist; poet laureate (1757–85)
More from Merriam-Webster on whitehead
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for whitehead
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share