pimple

noun

pim·​ple ˈpim-pəl 

1

: a small inflamed elevation of the skin : papule

especially : pustule

2

: a swelling or protuberance like a pimple

pimpled

ˈpim-pəld 

adjective

pimply

ˈpim-p(ə-)lē 

adjective

Synonyms

• boil
• fester
• hickey
• papule
• pock
• pustule
• whelk
• zit [slang]

Examples of pimple in a Sentence

a painful pimple on his back

Recent Examples on the Web

Inside the refillable compact with a mirror are 32 pimple patches with hydrocolloid and salicylic acid to unclog pores and shrink spots. —Ashley Davis, WWD, 2 Dec. 2024

These whimsical pimple patches were first proudly adopted by Gen Z on TikTok, but stars from the likes of Hailey Bieber, Ella Emhoff, SZA, and Central Cee have joined the ranks—sporting them in selfies all over Instagram. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 2 Dec. 2024

The platform reduces visits to the emergency department for prescription refills, a child eating donuts after the expiration date, or a person with a painful pimple. —Geri Stengel, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

In simplest terms, pimple patches are tiny, adhesive stickers made to tackle acne one blemish at a time. —Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pymple; akin to Old English piplian to break out in pimples, and probably to English pimp — more at pimp entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pimple

noun

pim·​ple ˈpim-pəl 

: a small swelling of the skin often containing pus : pustule

pimpled

-pəld 

adjective

pimply

-p(ə-)lē 

adjective

Medical Definition

pimple

noun

pim·​ple ˈpim-pəl 

1

: a small inflamed elevation of the skin : papule

especially : pustule

2

: a swelling or protuberance like a pimple

pimpled

-pəld 

adjective

pimply

-p(ə-)lē 

adjective