split end

noun

1
: an offensive football end who lines up usually several yards to the side of the formation
2
: a hair tip that has become frayed (as from dryness)
—usually plural

Examples of split end in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Bonding Shampoo gently cleanses hair and scalp, while the Hair Bonding Treatment delivers a more intensive dose of the brand’s Peptide-132 complex to help strengthen damaged strands and minimize breakage and split ends. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026 It’s packed with reparative and nourishing ingredients like algae extract, moringa oil, and olive oil to hydrate and help seal split ends, with heat protection built in. — Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2026 Calavante stretches that even more, noting that styles with or without layers can go up to five months between trims but need regular at-home maintenance to prevent split ends. — Sarah Madaus, InStyle, 19 Sep. 2026 The formula features a blend of guava fruit extract, blue agave, and avocado oil to help protect hair from UV rays and repair split ends. — Deanna Pai, Glamour, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for split end

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of split end was in 1955

Rhymes for split end

See All Rhymes for split end

Browse Nearby Words

split-down
split end
split fence
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Split end.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/split%20end. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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