What's the blob of toothpaste on your brush called?

The blob of toothpaste on your toothbrush is called a nurdle. The word usually refers to the wave-shaped ribbon shown in toothpaste advertisements and on packaging, rather than to toothpaste in general.

“Nurdle” is an unusual, relatively modern English word with no certain etymology. Merriam-Webster records a toothpaste-related use dating back to at least 1968, when it appeared in advertising for Bristol-Myers’ Vote toothpaste. The term became more familiar through the distinctive stripe or wave of paste displayed on brands such as Aquafresh.

The word has other meanings too, which can cause confusion. In cricket, to “nurdle” can mean gently nudging the ball into open space, while plastic manufacturers use “nurdle” for a small pellet of raw plastic. Those meanings are unrelated to the toothbrush sense.

A nurdle is also a marketing image, not a recommended measurement. Dental guidance generally describes the amount of toothpaste differently depending on age: young children need only a tiny smear or rice-grain amount, while children aged three to six typically use a pea-sized amount. Adults do not need to cover the entire brush head.