birthmark: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral
Quick answer
What does “birthmark” mean?
A permanent mark on the skin present from birth.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A permanent mark on the skin present from birth.
A distinctive, inherent, and often permanent characteristic or feature of something, metaphorically likened to a physical birthmark.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both use 'birthmark'. The term 'strawberry mark' (a type of haemangioma) is used in both, but 'port-wine stain' is more common in medical contexts.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. Carries no inherent positive or negative connotation, though specific types (e.g., port-wine stain) may be associated with medical conditions.
Frequency
Equally common and understood in both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “birthmark” in a Sentence
[Subject] has a birthmark [on LOCATION].The birthmark [is/was] [ADJECTIVE].They removed the birthmark [by METHOD].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “birthmark” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The condition can birthmark the skin with distinctive patterns. (rare, non-standard)
American English
- (No standard verb form exists.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb form exists.)
American English
- (No standard adverb form exists.)
adjective
British English
- She had a birthmark-like stain on her arm. (compound adjective)
American English
- The birthmark removal procedure was quick.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Metaphorical use possible: 'The company's decentralised structure is a birthmark from its founding philosophy.'
Academic
Used in medical, dermatological, and genetic contexts to describe congenital skin lesions.
Everyday
Common when describing personal appearance or in casual conversation about physical traits.
Technical
Specific in dermatology: classification includes vascular birthmarks (haemangiomas, port-wine stains) and pigmented birthmarks (congenital melanocytic nevi).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “birthmark”
- Misspelling as 'birth mark' (two words). The standard is one word: 'birthmark'.
- Confusing it with 'birth defect', which has a broader and often more serious medical meaning.
- Using it to refer to temporary marks like bruises from birth.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A mole (nevus) can be a type of birthmark if it is present at birth (congenital). Many moles develop later in life.
Yes, many can be lightened or removed with laser therapy or surgery, depending on their type, size, and location. Consultation with a dermatologist is essential.
Some types can have a genetic component and run in families, but many occur sporadically without a clear hereditary link.
No, it is a neutral, descriptive medical and everyday term. Connotation depends on cultural context and personal perception.
A permanent mark on the skin present from birth.
Birthmark is usually neutral in register.
Birthmark: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɜːθmɑːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɝːθmɑːrk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A birthmark of fate (metaphorical: an inescapable characteristic).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A mark you have from birth = BIRTHMARK. It's literally in the name.
Conceptual Metaphor
INHERENT CHARACTERISTICS ARE PHYSICAL MARKS (e.g., 'The corruption was a birthmark of the old regime').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT typically considered a type of birthmark?