split end

noun

1
: an offensive football end who lines up usually several yards to the side of the formation
2
: a hair tip that has become frayed (as from dryness)
usually used in plural

Examples of split end 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.
An independent study conducted by TRI Princeton found the serum sealed 98% of split ends after one use. Ashley Mateo, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024 The theory goes that your hair then gets used to all that heat and, in turn, holds straight styles for longer periods of time without reverting to curly or frizzing up or showing the typical signs of damage, like dryness, split ends, and uneven texture. Kayla Greaves, Allure, 18 Sep. 2024 For instance, split ends can travel up the hair fiber and damage the root. Sherri Gordon, Health, 8 Sep. 2024 In addition to promoting longer strands, the oil also helps support overall hair and scalp health, and can even reduce breakage and split ends. Brittany Leitner, StyleCaster, 6 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for split end 

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of split end was in 1955

Dictionary Entries Near split end

Cite this Entry

“Split end.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/split%20end. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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