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

Nucleus Genomics in New York lets prospective parents try to select even more traits, including eye color, hair color, propensity for baldness and acne, and whether a child will be left-handed. —Rob Stein, NPR, 6 May 2026

Beef tallow can also cause acne, according to UT MD Anderson, and everyone’s skin reacts differently to oils, waxes and active ingredients. —Ryan Brennan may 5, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 May 2026

The flexible mask has three light modes to target common skin concerns, from fine lines to dullness and acne. —Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 3 May 2026

The influencer, who recently launched her skin care brand Reale Actives targeting acne, elevated her look with Saint Laurent’s Kirat mule sandals. —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 1 May 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