blackhead

noun

black·​head ˈblak-ˌhed How to pronounce blackhead (audio)
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
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.
Dermatologists shared their favorite at-home blackhead treatments that truly decongest your pores. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2025 Everyone is invited to Karen’s function except Jacqueline, who at this point is a blackhead who refuses to be extracted. Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 16 Dec. 2024 Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid reduces whiteheads and blackheads by unclogging pores, exfoliating the skin, and decreasing inflammation. Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2025 Clay masks work by absorbing excess oil, to help even skin texture, remove blackheads and keep pimples at bay. Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for blackhead

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of blackhead was circa 1837

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Cite this Entry

“Blackhead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blackhead. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

blackhead

noun
black·​head ˈblak-ˌhed How to pronounce blackhead (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce blackhead (audio)
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

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