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

However, over-exfoliating can cause irritation and inflammation which can lead to acne, dryness, and pre-mature aging. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026

However, over-exfoliating can cause irritation and inflammation which can lead to acne, dryness, and pre-mature aging. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2026

Skipping moisturizer can trick your skin into producing more oil, which can lead to clogged pores and acne. —Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2026

To ensure products are acne-safe, consult an online ingredients checker. —John Monaco, InStyle, 1 Apr. 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