dander

noun

dan·​der ˈdan-dər How to pronounce dander (audio)
1
: dandruff
specifically : minute scales from hair, feathers, or skin that may be allergenic
2
: anger, temper
now don't get your dander up

Did you know?

How did dander acquire its "temper" sense? There are several theories, though the evidence is inconclusive. It has been proposed that the meaning comes from the image of an angry person tearing out their hair by the fistful, scattering dandruff in the process. Some think it comes from a West Indian word dander, which refers to a kind of ferment and suggests "rising" anger (in English, ferment can mean "a state of unrest or excitement"). Others have suggested that the "anger" sense comes from the Dutch phrase op donderen, meaning "to burst into a sudden rage."

Examples of dander in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Best Home Deals With the Levoit Air Purifier, shoppers can ward off dust, dander, and allergens in rooms up to 275 square feet that affect their home’s air quality. Quincy Bulin, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2025 Sheets can collect bacteria, dust mites, and pet dander that may make those problems worse. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 June 2025 That creates a moist atmosphere in which fungus and bacteria can thrive, and that doesn't even include all the other dirt, dander and pet fur that can be found in our beds! Terry Baddoo, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025 This cordless vac has powerful suction, cyclonic filtration, a brushless motor, an easily removable roller bar, and lights on the vacuum head to better see pet hair and dander. Nena Farrell, Wired News, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for dander

Word History

Etymology

alteration of dandruff

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dander was in 1786

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Dander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dander. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

dander

noun
dan·​der ˈdan-dər How to pronounce dander (audio)
1
: minute scales from hair, feathers, or skin that may cause allergy
2
: anger entry 1, temper
the insults got my dander up

Medical Definition

dander

noun
dan·​der ˈdan-dər How to pronounce dander (audio)
: dandruff
specifically : minute scales from hair, feathers, or skin that may act as allergens

More from Merriam-Webster on dander

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