acne

noun

ac·​ne ˈak-nē 

: a disorder of the skin that is marked by blemishes (such as whiteheads, blackheads, or pustules) especially on the face, chest, and shoulders and is caused by inflammation of sebaceous glands and hair follicles

especially : a form found chiefly in adolescents

acned

ˈak-nēd 

adjective

an acned teenager

acned skin

Examples of acne in a Sentence

a teenager with bad acne

Recent Examples on the Web

Nearly 30% of patients developed acne or experienced acne exacerbations, while 12% had rosacea flares or rosacea-like dermatitis. — Korin Miller, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026

But this serum is especially great for balancing sebum levels and keeping blemishes in check thanks to its high concentration of niacinamide (15%) paired with acne-fighting zinc PCA and soothing allantoin. — Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour, 7 Oct. 2026

Prescription and over-the-counter skin products, especially retinoids, exfoliating acids, acne treatments, and lightening products. — Malana Vantyler, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026

The trademark was filed for products including acne treatments, cleansers, moisturizers, SPFs, cosmetics, perfumes, and hair and body care products including soaps and shampoos, among other beauty products including hand sanitizers. — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin acnē, acna, borrowed from Late Greek aknḗ "eruption on the face," manuscript variant of akmḗ, literally, "point" — more at acme

First Known Use

1743, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing acne

• acne rosacea
• anti-acne
• mask acne

Kids Definition

acne

noun

ac·​ne ˈak-nē 

: a disorder of the skin caused by inflammation of skin glands and hair follicles and marked by pimples especially on the face

Medical Definition

acne

noun

ac·​ne ˈak-nē 

: a disorder of the skin that is marked by blemishes (such as whiteheads, blackheads, or pustules) especially on the face, chest, and shoulders and is caused by inflammation of sebaceous glands and hair follicles

especially : a form found chiefly in adolescents : acne vulgaris

acned

-nēd 

adjective