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

Amanda Domaleczny is now CEO at Personal Day, the acne care brand launched by actress Lili Reinhart. —Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 17 Feb. 2026

When my adult acne was at its worst, my dermatologist recommended this gentle, non-pore-clogging face cream. —Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 16 Feb. 2026

In the same way that hormonal changes caused acne during puberty, perimenopause can cause unexpected skin changes and acne. —Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2026

The five-star reviews speak for themselves, with users noting reduced acne and less severe scarring. —Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 12 Feb. 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