: 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
They are used to treat a variety of conditions, including heart failure, high blood pressure, and hormonal acne.
—
Kirstyn Hill, Health, 20 Jan. 2026
While the research is limited at the moment, our experts agreed that high-frequency wands have the potential to reduce acne-causing bacteria in skin (thus minimizing breakouts), calm redness and inflammation, and enhance circulation.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2026
Throughout the year, her focus is on strengthening the skin barrier, balancing, and treating specific concerns like pigmentation, acne, or laxity through a combination of clinical treatments and precise at-home routines.
—Pooja Shah, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
As preteens enter puberty, their faces may need a more straightforward product to target acne.
—Katrina Cossey, Parents, 15 Jan. 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.
Kirstyn Hill, Health, 20 Jan. 2026
While the research is limited at the moment, our experts agreed that high-frequency wands have the potential to reduce acne-causing bacteria in skin (thus minimizing breakouts), calm redness and inflammation, and enhance circulation.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2026
Throughout the year, her focus is on strengthening the skin barrier, balancing, and treating specific concerns like pigmentation, acne, or laxity through a combination of clinical treatments and precise at-home routines.
—Pooja Shah, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
As preteens enter puberty, their faces may need a more straightforward product to target acne.
—Katrina Cossey, Parents, 15 Jan. 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 22 Jan. 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
