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

• blister
• pustule
• boil
• zit [slang]
• papule

Examples of pimple in a Sentence

a painful pimple on his back

Recent Examples on the Web

Alisha Monaco, 32, sits in urgent care due to a pimple. —Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025

The Mighty Patch Original Patch This is the only product that actually makes my pimple disappear overnight. —Melony Forcier, People.com, 17 Aug. 2025

Allow acne to heal on its own: Avoid picking or popping pimples. —Carrie Madormo, Health, 16 July 2025

The traditional clear patches just highlight the gunk and end up looking grosser than the pimple itself. —Simon Hill, Wired News, 11 July 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