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

Peters’ February list of medicines and substances also included Accutane (oral isotretinoin) to treat acne. —Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 29 Apr. 2026

This acne treatment has earned a cult following in Japan. —Anita Bhagwandas, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026

Dermatologists recommend a vitamin C serum to help reduce hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and overall skin dullness. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 27 Apr. 2026

Yerneni has struggled with cystic acne for most of her life. —Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 23 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