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

At best, a pimple inside your nose is an uncomfortable nuisance. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 Nov. 2024

People with oily skin may experience pimples, blackheads, and other blemishes. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2024

This Previous Athena Club Zit Delete Healing Dots BUY $12.00 Athena Club Next Most acne patches work by drawing out the contents of pimples as well as acting as a protective patch to heal the skin and prevent picking or popping. —Karina Hoshikawa, refinery29.com, 28 Oct. 2024

My teen daughter and I swear by the Mighty Patch pimple patches. —Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 22 Oct. 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