acne

noun

ac·​ne ˈak-nē How to pronounce acne (audio)
: 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 adjective
an acned teenager
acned skin

Examples of acne in a Sentence

a teenager with bad acne
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Topical vitamin C, in particular, like creams, oils, and lotions, may improve acne, reduce scarring, and hyperpigmentation. Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 May 2025 Some research has shown that low amounts of HEV can help decrease acne, for example, while other studies showed that limited exposure to the light may help some symptoms related to psoriasis and eczema, according to a review study. Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 21 May 2025 But the years-long sufferer of acne promised her line would serve a purpose and set itself apart from other seemingly similar skincare brands. Dahvi Shira, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 Most importantly, can teens do more harm than good by trying this out, and potentially exacerbate acne or other skin conditions? Melissa Willets, Parents, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for acne

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of acne was in 1743

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Acne.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acne. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

acne

noun
ac·​ne ˈak-nē How to pronounce acne (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce acne (audio)
: 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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on acne

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!