blackhead

noun

black·​head ˈblak-ˌhed How to pronounce blackhead (audio)
Synonyms of blackheadnext
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.
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 The gentle facial cleansing brush comes with two attachments that are perfect for exfoliating dead skin, blackheads, and buildup after your steam session. — Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 28 Feb. 2025 This foaming cleanser from Abib has a great multitasking formula that tackles blackheads, all while keeping your skin nice and soothed thanks to components like heartleaf extract and Centella asiatica. — Denise Primbet, Glamour, 28 Feb. 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

Rhymes for blackhead

See All Rhymes for blackhead

Browse Nearby Words

black hazel
blackhead
blackhead disease
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Blackhead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blackhead. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on blackhead

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for blackhead

Nglish: Translation of blackhead for Spanish Speakers

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