: 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
For breakouts try ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid in your cleanser, which reduce acne-causing bacteria and unclog pores, respectively.
—
Kara Nesvig, Allure, 14 May 2026
Your doctor can check your hormones for insulin resistance or elevated androgen, a hormone which can cause things like acne, balding or increased body hair, Boots said.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 13 May 2026
The combination of a sunscreen that is formulated with heavy, pore-clogging ingredients mixed with oil, makeup, dirt, and dead skin cells can cause blockages in your pores, which can result in the formation of acne.
—Abby Dupes, StyleCaster, 13 May 2026
Symptoms may include irregular periods, acne, excess facial or body hair, thinning hair, weight changes and infertility, according to the WHO and Cleveland Clinic.
—Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
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.
Kara Nesvig, Allure, 14 May 2026
Your doctor can check your hormones for insulin resistance or elevated androgen, a hormone which can cause things like acne, balding or increased body hair, Boots said.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 13 May 2026
The combination of a sunscreen that is formulated with heavy, pore-clogging ingredients mixed with oil, makeup, dirt, and dead skin cells can cause blockages in your pores, which can result in the formation of acne.
—Abby Dupes, StyleCaster, 13 May 2026
Symptoms may include irregular periods, acne, excess facial or body hair, thinning hair, weight changes and infertility, according to the WHO and Cleveland Clinic.
—Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for acne
Cite this Entry
“Acne.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acne. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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
