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

Testosterone therapy can worsen sleep apnea, trigger acne and stimulate benign prostatic hyperplasia or growth of existing prostate cancer. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 29 July 2026

Retinol makes a person’s skin brighter, can also help clear up and even prevent brown pigmentation, unclog pores and help with acne and skin tone unevenness. — Rachel Burchfield, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

These substances can dry out your skin and make your acne worse. — Sherri Gordon, Health, 28 July 2026

As someone with very oily and acne-prone skin, gel cleansers are my go-to. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 27 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