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

The main active ingredient is 0.5% salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that effectively unclogs pores and shrinks pimples. —Lacey Muinos, Health, 25 Apr. 2024

This beauty gift comes with a limited edition pouch filled with mini packs of the brand’s best pimple patches, including the Hydro-Star, Black Star, and Hydro Star + Salicylic Acid. —Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 6 Dec. 2023

Word History

Etymology

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

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