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

Chemical options include alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid, which are water soluble, and beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid, which are fat soluble and can cut through oily follicles, a common pick for acne-prone skin. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2026

Women can experience menopausal acne and hair thinning as well. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 4 Nov. 2026

High doses of testosterone have been shown to cause acne, increased facial hair, scalp hair thinning, and a deepening of the voice. — Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 3 Nov. 2026

Customers love its versatile coverage, using it to conceal everything from dark under-eye circles and redness to acne and blemishes. — Jacquelyn McGilvray, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 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