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

Its red light mode treats fine lines and wrinkles, while the blue light and mixed light modes can help soothe mild to moderate acne. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026

Ahead, the best drugstore body lotions that stood out for every skin type, including options for dry skin, mature skin, acne-prone skin, eczema, and more. —Hana Hong, Glamour, 25 Mar. 2026

The University of Miami alum has been open about her struggle with acne for years. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2026

Licensed esthetician Carly Horvath provides neuropathic treatment for acne, dermatitis, and rosacea. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 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