Meaning & use
pimples
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“pimples” is a form of “pimple”.
Meanings
nounplural
Small, raised red spots on the skin, often filled with pus, caused by blocked pores.
Grammar: The singular is 'pimple'; use 'pimples' for more than one.
Patterns
- have pimples
- get pimples
- a pimple on something
She was self-conscious about the pimples on her forehead.
Teenagers often get pimples during puberty.
He used a cream to dry out his pimples.
nouncountabletechnical
A small swelling or blister on the skin of a plant or animal.
Grammar: Can refer to similar bumps on plants or animals, not just humans.
Patterns
- pimples on a plant
- a pimple on an animal's skin
The cactus has small pimples where the spines grow.
The frog's back was covered in tiny pimples.
Word forms
| singular | pimple |
|---|
Common combinations
- pop a pimple
- She tried not to pop the pimple on her chin.
- squeeze a pimple
- He squeezed the pimple and it became redder.
- pimple cream
- The doctor recommended a pimple cream for her acne.
- break out in pimples
- She broke out in pimples after eating too much chocolate.
Synonyms and how they differ
Word family
- pimpled adjective
- Having pimples; often used for skin.
- pimply adjective
- Covered with pimples; informal.
Commonly confused: pimples or dimple?
pimples vs dimple
A small natural indentation in the skin, especially on the cheek; not a raised spot.
Practice
She was worried about the ______ on her face before the party.
Choose one answer.
The sentence needs a plural noun because 'on her face' suggests more than one spot; 'pimples' is the correct plural noun. 'Pimple' is singular and would need 'a' before it. 'Pimpled' and 'pimply' are adjectives, not nouns.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “pimples”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.