blackhead: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, everyday, but understood in technical/skincare contexts.
Quick answer
What does “blackhead” mean?
A small, dark-coloured blockage in a pore of the skin caused by a plug of sebum and dead skin cells.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, dark-coloured blockage in a pore of the skin caused by a plug of sebum and dead skin cells.
An informal, non-technical term for an open comedo. In ornithology, a blackhead can refer to a disease in turkeys caused by a protozoan parasite. Also used as a common name for certain birds with black markings on the head (e.g., 'black-headed gull').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in the core dermatological meaning. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Slightly more clinical or 'problem-skin' connotation compared to the more informal 'spot' or 'zit'.
Frequency
Similar high frequency in skincare and beauty discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “blackhead” in a Sentence
to have (a) blackhead(s)to get (a) blackhead(s)to remove (a) blackhead(s)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blackhead” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She was carefully blackheading her nose.
- You shouldn't try to blackhead that; see a professional.
American English
- She's blackheading her nose with a special tool.
- The esthetician will gently blackhead the affected area.
adjective
British English
- A blackhead problem can be persistent.
- She uses a blackhead removal strip.
American English
- This is a great blackhead treatment.
- He has a stubborn blackhead issue on his forehead.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing for skincare and cosmetic products (e.g., 'blackhead clearing scrub').
Academic
Used in dermatology, biology, and veterinary science papers.
Everyday
Common in conversations about skincare routines and personal hygiene.
Technical
In dermatology, often specified as 'open comedo'. In veterinary contexts, refers to the disease histomoniasis in poultry.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blackhead”
- Using 'blackhead' to refer to any kind of pimple or inflamed acne lesion (it is specifically non-inflammatory). Spelling as two words ('black head') when referring to the skin condition.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the dark colour is not dirt. It is caused by sebum and skin cells oxidising and darkening when exposed to air.
A blackhead (open comedo) has a widened, open pore. A whitehead (closed comedo) is covered by a thin layer of skin, so the contents do not oxidise and remain white or flesh-coloured.
Gentle exfoliation and proper cleansing can help. However, aggressive squeezing can damage the skin and cause scarring or infection. Professional extraction is safer.
Yes, it is also the name for a serious parasitic disease (histomoniasis) in turkeys and other poultry, and a colloquial name for some birds like the black-headed gull.
A small, dark-coloured blockage in a pore of the skin caused by a plug of sebum and dead skin cells.
Blackhead is usually informal, everyday, but understood in technical/skincare contexts. in register.
Blackhead: in British English it is pronounced /ˈblak.hɛd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈblæk.hɛd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'blackhead'. General skin idioms: 'a blot on the landscape' (figurative).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: a BLACK plug in the HEAD (opening) of a pore.
Conceptual Metaphor
PORE AS A TUNNEL (blockage/clog in the tunnel), IMPURITY AS DIRT (dark matter trapped within).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'blackhead' technically known as in dermatology?