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

Beyond fragrance, Colep used Cosmoprof to showcase more targeted, problem-solving concepts, including products for scars, post-procedure recovery, acne and hair growth. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 21 July 2026

At the time, Kirpalani was suffering from frustrating chronic health conditions such as hair loss, food allergies, cystic acne, fatigue, and digestive disorders. — Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 July 2026

Other potential side effects include acne, breast tenderness or enlargement, fluid retention and worsening symptoms of untreated sleep apnea. — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 20 July 2026

Complications can include acne and similar skin problems, sleep apnea, skin reactions to patches or gels, steroid rage and emotional disorders, and enlarged breast tissue, according to StatPearls. — Mason Leib, ABC News, 17 July 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