noun
toupee
too-PAY/tuːˈpeɪ/
A small artificial hairpiece worn to cover baldness.
He wears a toupee to cover a bald spot.
Etymology
The diminutive “little tuft” became the name of an artificial curl or lock worn for style. The name later shifted to a small patch of hair used to cover baldness.
In context
a balding man would be wearing a toupee
More examples
- His toupee matches the color of his remaining hair.
- She adjusts his toupee before he steps onto the stage.
- The shop sells toupees made from human hair.
Forms
toupee · toupees
Similar words
- hairpiece
- A broader term that includes pieces worn for added volume.
- wig
- Usually covers the whole head rather than one bald area.