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

Founded by Julie Schott, a serial founder who’s also behind the pimple-patch brand Starface, Julie brought a Gen Z sensibility to the emergency contraception category. —Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026

Online, meanwhile, today marks the launch of her new pimple patch, which was designed in collaboration with Justin. —Emma Banks, InStyle, 13 Apr. 2026

Never fret over a breakout again with these highly effective pimple patches. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026

In the rearview mirror, my reflection was dotted with fat, angry pimples, sweating and growing more aggressive in their itch. —Literary Hub, 27 Mar. 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