pimple

[ pim-puhl ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. a small, usually inflammatory swelling or elevation of the skin; papule or pustule.

pimple

/ ˈpɪmpəl /

noun

1. a small round usually inflamed swelling of the skin
2. any of the bumps on the surface of a table tennis bat

Derived Forms

• ˈpimpliness, noun
• ˈpimply, adjective
• ˈpimpled, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pimple¹

1350–1400; Middle English, nasalized variant of Old English *pypel (whence pyplian to break out in pimples) < Latin papula pimple

Word History and Origins

Origin of pimple¹

C14: related to Old English pipilian to break out in spots; compare Latin papula pimple

Idioms and Phrases

see goose pimples .

Example Sentences

Los Angeles-based Schott, who is the owner of Starface, the wildly popular pimple patch brand Lee was shooting for, immediately felt her business brain buzzing.

From Los Angeles Times

From cats and cucumbers to pimple popping and unboxings, the internet is awash with a vast array of videos to send people into a social media wormhole.

From BBC

Users also report skin ulcers, and not just a little pimple: In extreme cases, people lose chunks of tissue on their arms and legs because of it.

From Slate

As humans, we are nothing if not fascinated by our own bodies, whether that’s picking a scab, prodding a canker sore or popping a pimple.

From Los Angeles Times

“While I am okay with, for example, using an ice cube on a specific pimple for a limited time, I wouldn't suggest rubbing ice all over the face as a mainstay of treatment,” Kiracofe says.

From National Geographic

Related Words

• acne
• blemish
• blister
• lump