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

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

It’s part of why I was once plagued with skin-excoriation problems, creating lesions on my face from “pimples” that were barely there anytime I felt a surge of stress.

From Salon

“When I educate patients, I tell them to look for pimples that don’t heal,” she added.

From Seattle Times

It might also temporarily reduce pain and swelling associated with pimples or minor sunburns, she says, also by constricting blood vessels.

From National Geographic

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

Related Words

• acne
• blemish
• blister
• lump

More About Pimple

What does pimple mean?

A pimple is a small inflammation or swelling of the skin that may or may not be filled with pus.

Pimples are caused by acne, a skin condition in which the skin’s sebaceous glands become clogged and inflamed.

Pimples are most commonly found on the face, but they can appear on other areas of the skin, such as the neck and back. They are most common among teens and preteens due to changes in body chemistry during the period of development known as puberty, but adults can also get pimples.

An even more informal term for a pimple is zit. The informal terms whitehead and blackhead are used to refer to specific kinds of pimples. Technical terms for types of pimples include pustule and papule.

Example: My skin is naturally oily, so I have to buy a specific face wash to prevent pimples.

Where does pimple come from?

The first records of the word pimple come from around the late 1300s. It comes from the Old English pipilian, “to break out in pimples,” from the Latin papula, meaning “pimple.”

Everyone gets pimples at some point, but some people get them more than others. Acne, which causes pimples, sometimes goes away on its own, but sometimes it calls for additional treatment by a dermatologist—a doctor who specializes in skin conditions.

Pimple is used in the phrase goose pimples, which is another way to say goose bumps, the bumps you get on your skin when you’re cold or scared. Goose pimples aren’t actually pimples—they’re what happens when your hair stands on end. In places where you don’t have hair, they just appear as bumps on your skin.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to pimple?

• pimply (adjective)
• pimpled (adjective)

What are some synonyms for pimple?

• zit
• blemish

What are some words that share a root or word element with pimple? 

 

• papula
• papule
• goose pimples

What are some words that often get used in discussing pimple?

 

• acne
• cream
• skin
• complexion
• whitehead
• blackhead
• breakout
• pop
• squeeze
• dermatologist

How is pimple used in real life?

Pimples are fairly common, especially among teens. Most people treat them as an annoyance.

There's no point treating pimple marks if you are still having pimples. As long as you're still having pimples, you will continue to have the marks.

Try a toner with salicyclic acid 2-3x a week for 1 month to control pimples. If not happy in a month, go see a dermatologist 😊

— Dr. Winlove Mojica (@theskinsensei) December 28, 2019

my face really decided to grow a pimple 1 day before a skin care brand photoshoot. love that for me

— 🛸 batrisyia 🪐 (@applekwumble) September 22, 2020

ugh i hate pimples! what do y’all use to get rid of pimples?! 😫

— Zui Hernandez (@ZuiHernandez_) September 25, 2020

 

 

Try using pimple!

Is pimple used correctly in the following sentence?

I can’t believe I got a pimple on my nose right before the dance!