sunburn

1 of 2

verb

sun·​burn ˈsən-ˌbərn How to pronounce sunburn (audio)
sunburned ˈsən-ˌbərnd How to pronounce sunburn (audio) or sunburnt ˈsən-ˌbərnt How to pronounce sunburn (audio) ; sunburning

transitive verb

: to burn or discolor by the sun

sunburn

2 of 2

noun

: inflammation of the skin caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation especially from sunlight

Examples of sunburn in a Sentence

Noun He has a bad sunburn. Use sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Sanders could sell ice to a penguin and leave you counting sunburns on a rainy day. Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 3 Feb. 2024 Over breakfast in a motel lobby -- a tad scruffy and sunburned from nearly three weeks on the rails leading a band of artists, musicians and other creative types on a cross-country art show -- Aitken was still basking in the glow of the prior evening’s success. Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2023 She was sunburned, with no shelter to shade her, and her eyes suffered from constant exposure to dust and UV radiation. Caitlin Gibson, Washington Post, 5 Dec. 2023 At Hula Grill by West Maui’s Kaanapali Beach, sunburned visitors chat over drinks. Jack Kiyonaga, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Nov. 2023 By hour 4, when the Palos Verdes peninsula came into view, we were all sunburned and ready to be home as the wind had died down, we were forced to rely on the motor, which, even at its maximum effort, moved us along at just 1 to 2 knots. Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2023 Preventing sunburned lips can reduce your risk of skin cancer. Claire Gillespie, Health, 27 Feb. 2023 Look chic and protect your face from getting sunburned with this stylish Crochet Raffia Sun Hat from Jenni Kayne, a classic accessory that’s sure to become an essential in your summer wardrobe. Erica Finamore, wsj.com, 19 Sep. 2023 Grapes can also dry out when sunburned, which can result in brown, bitter wines. Sofia Andrade, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2023
Noun
The packing dream, a desire to escape my humble origins; the sunburn neurosis, from my mother’s warnings. Lauren Oyler, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2024 And though Alba Botanica makes sunscreen, keep in mind that this product does not protect against sunburn. Addie Morton, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2024 In February and March, the direct sunlight can be dazzling, something that is enhanced by the glare from the snow, and sunburn is absolutely possible. David Nikel, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Then, remember to reapply sunscreen throughout the day to avoid sunburn. Ambrosia V. Brody, Parents, 20 Feb. 2024 In those conditions, which topped 90 degrees Fahrenheit at times, the symbiotic algae that live within corals are spit out, leaving the corals bone-white and starving, vulnerable to sunburn and disease. Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 16 Feb. 2024 Reduces inflammation From sunburn and injury, to bruising and skin infections, inflammation can result in redness, rashes, and swelling which can often feel painful to the face and body. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 3 Jan. 2024 Applying sunscreen to the entire area predisposed to sunburn is strongly recommended. Patty Khuly, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 Fishermen, resting after a night at sea, are working shorter hours to avoid dehydration and sunburn. Kareem Fahim, Washington Post, 12 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sunburn.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

back-formation from sunburned, from sun + burned

First Known Use

Verb

1530, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1584, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sunburn was in 1530

Dictionary Entries Near sunburn

Cite this Entry

“Sunburn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sunburn. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sunburn

1 of 2 verb
sun·​burn -ˌbərn How to pronounce sunburn (audio)
sunburned -ˌbərnd How to pronounce sunburn (audio) or sunburnt -ˌbərnt How to pronounce sunburn (audio) ; sunburning
1
: to burn or discolor by the sun
2
: to become sunburned

sunburn

2 of 2 noun
: a sore red state of the skin caused by too much sunlight

Medical Definition

sunburn

1 of 2 transitive verb
sun·​burn -ˌbərn How to pronounce sunburn (audio)
sunburned -ˌbərnd How to pronounce sunburn (audio) or sunburnt -ˌbərnt How to pronounce sunburn (audio) ; sunburning
: to affect with sunburn
sunburned skin

sunburn

2 of 2 noun
: inflammation of the skin caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation especially from sunlight

called also erythema solare

More from Merriam-Webster on sunburn

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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