birthmark

Everyday

A birthmark is a coloured mark on the skin that a person is born with or that appears soon after birth. It can be red, pink, brown or blue and is usually harmless. tree →

In the lessons

In science and health lessons, birthmarks are explained as normal differences in skin, made by extra blood vessels or extra colour (pigment). In stories, a birthmark sometimes helps someone recognise a lost child or a hero. In kindness lessons children learn not to tease anyone about how their skin looks. Phrases: «a strawberry birthmark», «have a birthmark on».

Examples

• She has a small birthmark on her arm. tree →
• My baby brother has a pink birthmark on his neck. tree →
• Most birthmarks are harmless. tree →
• Some birthmarks fade as you grow. tree →
• In the story, the prince was known by his birthmark. tree →
• His birthmark is shaped like a star. tree →
• Never tease someone about a birthmark. tree →
• The doctor checked the birthmark and said it was fine. tree →

Note

One word: birthmark. Countable. Not the same as a freckle or mole, though moles can be birthmarks. If any skin mark changes, grows quickly or bleeds, see a doctor.