: 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
Examples of acne in a Sentence
a teenager with bad acne
Recent Examples on the Web
These medications are up to 20 times stronger than over-the-counter retinols and can increase collagen production, speed up the skin’s natural regeneration process, exfoliate dead skin cells, and reduce acne.
—
Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 10 Oct. 2025
Retinol belongs to a class of ingredients called retinoids, which are key to a wide category of skincare products beloved for their skin-firming and acne-clearing abilities.
—Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2025
GLP-1s for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Women with polycystic ovary syndrome produce excess testosterone, which can lead to painful, heavy, or irregular periods, infertility, excess facial and body hair, severe acne, and small cysts on the ovaries.
—Becky Upham, EverydayHealth.com, 8 Oct. 2025
This milky rice toner also includes niacinamide for oil control, acne fighting, and brightening.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for acne
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.
Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 10 Oct. 2025
Retinol belongs to a class of ingredients called retinoids, which are key to a wide category of skincare products beloved for their skin-firming and acne-clearing abilities.
—Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2025
GLP-1s for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Women with polycystic ovary syndrome produce excess testosterone, which can lead to painful, heavy, or irregular periods, infertility, excess facial and body hair, severe acne, and small cysts on the ovaries.
—Becky Upham, EverydayHealth.com, 8 Oct. 2025
This milky rice toner also includes niacinamide for oil control, acne fighting, and brightening.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for acne
Cite this Entry
“Acne.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acne. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share