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

Anatomy of a pimple patch The technology behind pimple patches isn’t new. —Stacey Colino, TIME, 25 Feb. 2025

Best Amazon Presidents Day Sales on Fashion and Beauty Some of our teens’ favorite trendy styles are marked down right now, like these cozy Ugg boots, a belt bag, and pimple patches, and start at just $9. —Katrina Cossey, Parents, 11 Feb. 2025

Clear plastic bins overflowed with deodorant, hair products and pastel pimple patches. —Callie Holtermann, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025

Acne is one of the most common skincare conditions worldwide, and almost everyone develops a pimple at some point. —Amanda Svachula, Health, 13 Jan. 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