birthmark

American  

[burth-mahrk] / ˈbɜrθˌmɑrk /

noun

1. a minor disfigurement or blemish on a person's skin at birth; nevus.

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birthmark British  

/ ˈbɜːθˌmɑːk /

noun

1. a blemish or new growth on skin formed before birth, usually brown or dark red; naevus

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Etymology

Origin of birthmark

First recorded in 1570–80; birth + mark ¹

Explanation

A birthmark is a permanent spot on your skin, often dark brown colored. The actress Marilyn Monroe was famous for a small birthmark just above her lip. Most birthmarks are present from birth or soon after, and many are pigmented much darker than the surrounding skin. Strawberry and port wine birthmarks, on the other hand, are bright red. The causes of birthmarks vary, but they're almost always harmless. In the 17th century, they were sometimes called "longing marks," supposedly demonstrating the pregnant mother's longing for something before her baby was born.

Example Sentences

One gets the sense that Miriam’s inner darkness is inseparable from her brilliance, like Georgiana’s birthmark in Hawthorne’s early short story.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

They are asking the public to keep an eye out for the 5-foot-7 Asian male, who has black hair, black eyes, a birthmark on his left upper shoulder and weighs around 170 pounds.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 16, 2025

He also has a birthmark on his left arm and hand.

From BBC • Oct. 22, 2023

In my shower in California, I scrub the soap against a rough white cotton washcloth and move the towel across every limb, every birthmark, every scar.

From Salon • Jul. 8, 2023

Sad-eyed Ser Karyl Vance, who would have been handsome but for the winestain birthmark that discolored his face, gestured at the kneeling villagers.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin