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

Concealer can be your best friend in your makeup kit, instantly erasing pores, pimples, scars, and more. —Petra Guglielmetti, Glamour, 2 Apr. 2025

Resist the urge to pick at bacne breakouts, as popping pimples worsens acne. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2025

Hard water can make your hair and skin dry, as well as block skin pores, causing inflammation, pimples, and rashes. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2025

My go-tos are these cute little stars that have a hydrocolloid formula on the underside that helps heal pimples quickly. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 25 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for pimple

• dimple
• simple

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