noun

dander

DAN-duh

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Dander (noun) means Tiny flakes of skin shed by animals, a common trigger for allergies. Example: “Cat dander is one of the most common indoor allergens.”

noun

Tiny flakes of skin shed by animals, a common trigger for allergies.

"Cat dander is one of the most common indoor allergens."

Anger or temper, especially in the phrase "get your dander up."

"Don't get your dander up over a little criticism."

"She has her dander up every day about discrimination against women."

"He'll get his dander up if his team is criticized."

How to use dander

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither pet skin flakes that trigger allergies, or (informally) rising anger.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "dandruff," which specifically refers to human scalp flakes rather than pet allergens.

Easily confused with

dandruff →

Common pairings

pet dander get your dander up

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: danders
Third person singular: danders
Past tense: dandered

Test yourself on “dander” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Cat _____ is one of the most common indoor allergens.

Etymology

A shortened form of "dandruff."

Synonyms

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hackles

Rhymes for dander

gander lander wander pander zander sander Xander slander Leander Evander colander islander

See all rhymes for dander →

Frequently asked questions

What does “dander” mean?

The word “dander” means tiny flakes of skin shed by animals, a common trigger for allergies. In plain terms, either pet skin flakes that trigger allergies, or (informally) rising anger.

How do you pronounce “dander”?

“Dander” is pronounced DAN-duh (/ˈdændə(ɹ)/ in IPA).

How do you use “dander” in a sentence?

Here is “dander” used in a sentence: “Cat dander is one of the most common indoor allergens.”

What part of speech is “dander”?

“Dander” is a noun.

How many meanings does “dander” have?

“Dander” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: tiny flakes of skin shed by animals, a common trigger for allergies.