What does blister mean?
A blister is a small pocket of fluid that forms within the upper layers of the skin, typically as a protective response to friction, burns, or irritation. Commonly appearing on the hands and feet after repeated rubbing, blisters can be tender but usually heal on their own as the fluid is reabsorbed. The word also describes similar bubble-like swellings on non-living surfaces, such as paint lifting off sun-baked wood, and works as a verb meaning to form or produce such swellings. In everyday speech it appears in fixed phrases like 'blood blister', 'fever blister', and 'blister pack', the sealed plastic packaging that encases pills or small goods. Figuratively, the adjective 'blistering' conveys intense speed, heat, or criticism. Precise, concrete, and widely understood, 'blister' bridges medicine, materials, and daily experience.
A small swelling on the skin containing clear fluid, produced by friction, burning, or irritation.
"She applied a bandage to protect the blister on her heel."
A bubble or raised swelling on the surface of a material such as paint, varnish, or rubber.
"Blisters appeared in the varnish where the wood had been left in the sun."
To form blisters, or to cause blisters to form on skin or a surface.
"The hot pan handle blistered his fingers before he could let go."
The standard plural; used when referring to multiple swellings or instances.
"After the marathon, blisters covered both of his feet."
A burn that blisters is officially a second-degree burn — your skin's own way of building a sterile cushion over damaged tissue.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of blister
The word 'blister' entered English in the late Middle English period, borrowed from Old French 'blestre'. Its ultimate origin is generally traced to Germanic roots connected with blowing or swelling, making it a distant relative of the word 'blast'. It has carried its core sense of a raised skin swelling since its earliest recorded use.
Related word forms
How blister is actually used
In medical contexts, 'vesicle' is the formal term for a small blister, while larger ones may be called 'bullae'. 'Fever blister' is the everyday term for a cold sore caused by the herpes simplex virus. As a verb, 'blister' is common both literally (skin) and figuratively for surfaces like paint or metal exposed to heat.
Easily confused with blister
'Blister' refers to a fluid-filled skin swelling or the act of forming one, while 'bluster' means to talk loudly and aggressively or to blow in a loud, stormy way.