pimple

noun

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

Synonyms of pimple

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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.
Rhode, on the other hand, has created pimple patches with Justin Bieber but hasn’t made a collaborative collection with a fashion brand as of yet. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 As a teenager, Gillian Maegan Montalbo had pimples that weren’t too bad — just a few bumps on her forehead and nose. — Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 Picking may be directed at healthy skin, hair, scalp, pimples, or moles. — Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 2 Oct. 2026 Like the first date with a big pimple covered in makeup, though, its good qualities are missed thanks to the glaringly obvious coverup. — New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2026 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

Rhymes for pimple

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Browse Nearby Words

Pimpla
pimple
pimpled
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Cite this Entry

“Pimple.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pimple. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pimple

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