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

The medications may bring previously unseen pimples to the surface of your skin. —Laura Schober, Health, 9 June 2025

The star ingredient, lady’s mantle, is packed with antioxidants to help calm inflammation (a major plus for breakouts and pimples), while ceramides work to repair the skin barrier and lock in moisture. —Denise Primbet, Glamour, 28 May 2025

Proactiv Redness Correcting Spot Treatment Proactiv's Redness Correcting Treatment helps correct redness while also treating pimples and acne. —Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025

In language as deft and muscular as Rosa’s team, Drexler captures the scent of the blood and the resin, every wisecrack and sob story, every flake of talc and gob of spit, every pimple and blackhead on the lady wrestlers’ thighs. —Lauren Elkin, New York Times, 20 May 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