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

• boil
• fester
• hickey
• papule
• pock
• pustule
• whelk
• zit [slang]

Examples of pimple in a Sentence

a painful pimple on his back

Recent Examples on the Web

Stress acne, by contrast, can manifest as a combination of whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed pimples. —Audrey Noble, Vogue, 12 June 2024

What are the symptoms of swimmer’s itch? Small red pimples and blisters accompanied by itching, burning and tingling of the skin near the rash are the most common symptoms. —Divya Murthy, Detroit Free Press, 24 May 2024

As the episode starts, Lisa loses a staff member, Priscilla, who would rather return home than look at the enormous pimple right next to Hannah’s mouth for even one more second. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2024

The main active ingredient is 0.5% salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that effectively unclogs pores and shrinks pimples. —Lacey Muinos, Health, 25 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pymple; akin to Old English piplian to break out in pimples, and probably to English pimp — more at pimp

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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