acne

noun

ac·​ne ˈak-nē How to pronounce acne (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce acne (audio)
adjective
an acned teenager
acned skin

Examples of acne in a Sentence

a teenager with bad acne
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
For those prone to frizz, acne, or a yearning for finer things, this significant upgrade clocks in at $90—that means deep, skin-friendly sleep for less than $100. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 14 Mar. 2025 Resist the urge to pick at bacne breakouts, as popping pimples worsens acne. — Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2025 However, no federal regulations currently require routine benzene testing for acne treatments, which has raised concerns among some consumer advocacy groups. — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025 Leaving a natural finish, this cream features hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin E to veil the look of acne scarring, wrinkles, redness, pores, and discoloration with ease. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for acne

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of acne was in 1743

Phrases Containing acne

Browse Nearby Words

acne
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Cite this Entry

“Acne.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acne. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

acne

noun
ac·​ne ˈak-nē How to pronounce acne (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce acne (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce acne (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on acne

Nglish: Translation of acne for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about acne

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