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
Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid reduces whiteheads and blackheads by unclogging pores, exfoliating the skin, and decreasing inflammation.
—
Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2025
One 2009 study cited by the AAD also found a link between women smoking cigarettes and developing whiteheads and blackheads on their faces.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
This loosening of dirt and excess oil allows for pimples and cystic acne to rise to the most surface level of the skin, encouraging a whitehead that'll take less time to clear up.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 28 Feb. 2025
But compared to whiteheads, these felt harder in the center and were filled with pus.
—Staff Author, Health, 16 Feb. 2025
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.
Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2025
One 2009 study cited by the AAD also found a link between women smoking cigarettes and developing whiteheads and blackheads on their faces.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
This loosening of dirt and excess oil allows for pimples and cystic acne to rise to the most surface level of the skin, encouraging a whitehead that'll take less time to clear up.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 28 Feb. 2025
But compared to whiteheads, these felt harder in the center and were filled with pus.
—Staff Author, Health, 16 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for whitehead
Cite this Entry
“Whitehead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whitehead. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share