sunscreen

noun

sun·​screen ˈsən-ˌskrēn 

1

: a screen to protect against sun

2

: a preparation (such as a lotion) applied to the skin to prevent sunburn (as by chemically absorbing ultraviolet radiation)

also : its active ingredient (as benzophenone) compare sunblock

sunscreening

ˈsən-ˌskrē-niŋ 

adjective

Examples of sunscreen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are some items that are staples of any cruise vacation packing lists, from sunscreen to swimsuits to a passport. —Nathan Diller, USA Today, 19 Oct. 2025

From disrespecting local customs to getting pickpocketed, to forgetting to reapply sunscreen to overpacking, European tour guides have truly seen it all. —Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025

Compared to some Korean skin-care products (looking at you, sunscreen), the best Korean exfoliators tend to fly under the radar. —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2025

In warmer areas, consider packing booties, sunglasses or sunscreen. —Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 14 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sunscreen

• agin
• alkene
• allene
• ameen
• amin
• amine
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• benzene
• between

Kids Definition

sunscreen

noun

sun·​screen -ˌskrēn 

: a preparation (as a lotion) applied to the skin to prevent sunburn (as by chemically absorbing the sun's rays)

Medical Definition

sunscreen

noun

sun·​screen -ˌskrēn 

: a preparation (as a lotion) applied to the skin to prevent sunburn (as by chemically absorbing ultraviolet radiation)

also : its active ingredient (as benzophenone) compare sunblock

sunscreening adjective