blackhead

noun

black·​head ˈblak-ˌhed 

1

: a small plug of darkened sebum and dead skin cells that fills a pore of the skin especially on the face

called also comedo, open comedo

compare whitehead

2

: a destructive disease of turkeys and related birds caused by a protozoan (Histomonas meleagridis) that invades the intestinal ceca and liver

3

: a larval clam or mussel attached to the skin or gills of a freshwater fish

Examples of blackhead in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This CeraVe acne cleanser is best for acne-prone skin—a major concern for teens—and helps clear away pimples and blackheads. —Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 29 Aug. 2025

The exfoliating face wash has become a staple for me thanks to its gentle formula that reduces blackheads and deeply cleanses skin. —Melony Forcier, People.com, 17 Aug. 2025

Almost never involves blackheads or whiteheads like bacterial acne. —Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2025

Beyond their instant gratification, pore strips provide an effective way to deep-clean areas prone to blackheads, such as the nose, chin, and forehead. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 24 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for blackhead

• abed
• ahead
• beachhead
• bedspread
• bedstead
• behead
• blockhead
• bloodshed
• bowhead
• breastfed
• bridgehead
• broadhead

Kids Definition

blackhead

noun

black·​head ˈblak-ˌhed 

: a small oily bit of material blocking the outlet of a fat-secreting gland in the skin

Medical Definition

blackhead

noun

black·​head ˈblak-ˌhed 

1

: a small plug of darkened sebum and dead skin cells that blocks the duct of a sebaceous gland especially on the face

called also comedo, open comedo

compare whitehead

2

: a destructive disease of turkeys and related birds caused by a protozoan of the genus Histomonas (H. meleagridis) that invades the intestinal ceca and liver

called also enterohepatitis, histomoniasis, infectious enterohepatitis