Definition

A small plug of oil and dead skin cells that forms in a hair follicle, often appearing as a dark spot on the skin, especially on the face.

Example

She used a special cleanser to help remove blackheads from her nose.

Conversation

I’ve been trying to get rid of this annoying blackhead on my nose.

Have you tried using those pore strips? They work pretty well.

Yeah, I used them last week, but it didn’t completely get rid of the blackhead.

Maybe you should try a gentle exfoliating scrub next time!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Blackhead → The word is formed from "black" (from Old English "blæc", meaning dark or without light) and "head" (from Old English "heafod", meaning the upper part of the body or the main part). A blackhead refers to a dark spot on the skin, often associated with clogged pores on the face.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'dark' ('black') on the 'top' ('head') of the skin — that's why a blackhead is a dark spot on the skin.

Visually Confused Words