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

Turmeric has also been added to topical acne treatments, but little evidence supports that use. —Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Verywell Health, 17 Apr. 2025

Bottom line While benzoyl peroxide remains an effective acne treatment, its potential to form benzene raises concerns. —Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2025

More on cystic acne: Cystic acne can cause pain, shame and lasting scars. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025

Less of a freckle pen and more of an eyeliner doubling as a beauty mark maker—e.l.f.’s waterproof eyeliner pen will not only give you a slick cat eye that lasts but also masquerades any unwanted acne spots underneath a faux beauty mark. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025

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