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 of pimple

• blister
• pustule
• boil
• zit
• papule

Examples of pimple in a Sentence

a painful pimple on his back

Recent Examples on the Web

Bioré is putting pimples in the penalty box this basketball season. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 29 Jan. 2026

My features were regular, barely changed from childhood except for a pimple above my lip. —Nell Freudenberger, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026

The Outset Total Clarity Dark Spot Serum As for me, The Outset Total Clarity Dark Spot Serum, which the brand gifted me, did more for my dark spot in days than my pimple creams and red light therapy remedies did in months. —Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 25 Jan. 2026

Here, argon-gas electrodes create a gentle current at up to 60 Hz, which helps to reduce the look of active pimples, calm visible redness, and even address the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2026

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