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

Most sunscreens use either chemical filters (like avobenzone or oxybenzone) that absorb UV rays and convert them into harmless heat, or mineral filters (like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) that act as a physical shield, reflecting rays away from the skin. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2025

Guests are asked to bring sunscreen, a hat and water. —Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Sep. 2025

Here, fat-tire bicycles seem to outnumber cars, hours are measured in sunscreen applications and tugs on fishing lines, and island nightlife belongs to nesting sea turtles. —Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 24 Sep. 2025

Whereas many chemical sunscreens can leave the skin irritated, this formula is gentle enough for sensitive skin. —Essence, 23 Sep. 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