cowlick

[ kou-lik ]

noun

1. a tuft of hair that grows in a direction different from that of the rest of the hair.

cowlick

/ ˈkaʊˌlɪk /

noun

1. a tuft of hair over the forehead

Word History and Origins

Origin of cowlick¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; cow ¹ + lick

Example Sentences

You might be surprised to learn that you can’t comb the hairs flat on a coconut without creating a cowlick.

From Scientific American

For some reason I started picking and flattening her cowlicks with my fingers like we were a couple of gorillas.

From Literature

“It’s like a cowlick,” she says, her hand rubbing along it.

From Washington Post

A cowlick at the back of his head stood up like a question mark.

From Literature

The cowlicks in the fur, the bottoms of the paws, the spots on the tummy.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• eyebrow
• fiber
• fur
• grass
• haircut
• hairstyle
• mane
• sideburn
• strand
• wig
• wool