pimple

noun

pim·​ple ˈpim-pəl How to pronounce pimple (audio)
1
: a small inflamed elevation of the skin : papule
especially : pustule
2
: a swelling or protuberance like a pimple
pimpled adjective
pimply adjective

Examples of pimple in a Sentence

a painful pimple on his back
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, the team behind a small study published in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, claim to have developed a two-step pimple patch that actually works. Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2025 The cockpit, itself about as big as an entire Gulfstream private jet, looks like a pimple bulging from the WindRunner’s staggering frame. Andrew Moseman, IEEE Spectrum, 10 Sep. 2025 Scabies causes small, pimple-like skin bumps, which can be intensely itchy and uncomfortable. Carrie Madormo, Health, 10 Sep. 2025 Most pimple patch varieties are intended to be left on for around eight hours, which is why some people prefer using them overnight. Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pimple

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

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pimple.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pimple. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

pimple

noun
pim·​ple ˈpim-pəl How to pronounce pimple (audio)
: a small swelling of the skin often containing pus : pustule
pimpled adjective
pimply adjective

Medical Definition

pimple

noun
pim·​ple ˈpim-pəl How to pronounce pimple (audio)
1
: a small inflamed elevation of the skin : papule
especially : pustule
2
: a swelling or protuberance like a pimple
pimpled adjective
pimply adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on pimple

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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