blister

1 of 2

noun

blis·​ter ˈbli-stər How to pronounce blister (audio)
plural blisters
1
: a fluid-filled elevation of the epidermis compare water blister
2
: an enclosed raised spot (as in paint or the surface of baked dough) resembling a blister
3
: an agent (such as lewisite) that causes blistering
4
: a fungal disease of plants marked by raised patches on the leaves
5
: any of various structures that bulge out (such as a gunner's compartment on a bomber)
blistery adjective

blister

2 of 2

verb

blistered; blistering ˈbli-st(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce blister (audio)

intransitive verb

: to become affected with a blister

transitive verb

1
: to raise a blister on
2
3
: to defeat (a competitor) decisively
… Brodeur was blistered in the early rounds by lightly regarded teams … before backstopping New Jersey to the championship last season.Kostya Kennedy
4
: to hit (a ball, shot, etc.) very powerfully
… Soriano blistered a line drive toward left field.Buster Olney

Examples of blister in a Sentence

Noun She developed a blister on her heel where her shoe rubbed against it.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
In addition to their impressive level of shock-absorbency, the heel cushions also prohibit blisters and friction burns on the backs of your ankles. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 19 Apr. 2024 If possible, wear shoes that are waterproof, like Gore-Tex. Foamy yet supportive shoes are your best bet for avoiding discomfort, blisters, or foot fatigue, especially during longer walks in the rain. Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 19 Apr. 2024 Do not scratch or pick at the blisters, which might cause an infection.7 Tips Canker sores and cold sores are both painful ulcers that can be bothersome, especially when eating. Amanda Gardner, Health, 13 Apr. 2024 In severe cases, people may develop blisters that require an emergency room visit. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 8 Mar. 2024 Skin contact can cause rashes, blisters, and burns. Anna Halkidis, Parents, 5 Apr. 2024 Sanuk Women’s Yoga Sling 2 Sandals $35 $31 Add a touch of bohemian style to your outfits this season with these sleek flip-flops from Sanuk that specifically cover your heel and the toe post of each shoe with material to eliminate blisters, chafing, and overall discomfort. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 30 Mar. 2024 Lesions will look similar to pimples or blisters, but have some key differences in size, color, and feel. Claire Wolters, Verywell Health, 12 Mar. 2024 Of those injuries, nine included severe burns and/or blisters on a customer’s fingers or hands. Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 22 Mar. 2024
Verb
The 101-footer, which is currently undergoing final sea trials, will be capable of hitting a blistering 59 knots and can welcome up to 10 guests. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 22 Apr. 2024 Hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought into the gold craze in an effort to capitalize on the commodity's blistering rise, Campbell said. Max Zahn, ABC News, 12 Apr. 2024 The blistering menace of their production, their shockingly aggressive and raunchy subject matter, and their cinematic narratives of L.A. street life ultimately created the blueprint for mainstream West Coast hip-hop. Liz Sanchez, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2024 In a blistering letter to her Republican colleagues on Tuesday, Greene argued Johnson has failed to live up to his promises by negotiating with Democrats and breaking procedural rules to pass major legislation. Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2024 Glendale will open heat-relief respite centers and offer cooling and hydration locations this summer, giving the city’s homeless and older adults temporary reprieves from the blistering heat. Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 8 Apr. 2024 Mookie Betts also maintained his blistering pace in the early season, helping the Dodgers erase a late three-run deficit with three hits, including a ninth-inning homer, before the team ultimately left the bases loaded in the 10th inning to end the game. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2024 But adults are less likely to develop the telltale skin rash and blisters that children with the disease develop, likely because of partial immunity from being infected as a child. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 28 Mar. 2024 But the blistering rate of Nvidia’s gains — an increase of about 290 percent over the past 12 months — has me and many Wall Street analysts wondering how sustainable this run is. Jeff Sommer, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'blister.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English blister, blester, probably from Old English *blȳster, *blǣster; akin to Old Norse blāstr swelling, Old English blǣst blast

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of blister was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near blister

Cite this Entry

“Blister.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blister. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

blister

1 of 2 noun
blis·​ter ˈblis-tər How to pronounce blister (audio)
1
: a raised area of the outer skin containing liquid compare water blister
2
: a raised spot (as in paint) resembling a blister
3
: something that causes blistering
4
: any of various structures (as a gunner's compartment on an airplane) that bulge out
blistery adjective

blister

2 of 2 verb
blistered; blistering -t(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce blister (audio)
1
: to develop a blister : rise in blisters
2
: to raise a blister on

Medical Definition

blister

1 of 2 noun
blis·​ter ˈblis-tər How to pronounce blister (audio)
1
: a fluid-filled elevation of the epidermis compare water blister
2
: an agent that causes blistering
blistery adjective

blister

2 of 2 verb
blistered; blistering -t(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce blister (audio)

intransitive verb

: to become affected with blisters

transitive verb

: to raise a blister on
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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