lotion

noun

lo·​tion ˈlō-shən 

: a liquid preparation for cosmetic or external medicinal use

Examples of lotion in a Sentence

a bottle of suntan lotion

Recent Examples on the Web

On the walls of the massage table room are photos and paintings of nude women; on the shelves are bottles of lotion, Astroglide and other lubricant. —Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 20 Dec. 2025

Apply lotions, sprays, and makeup before putting earrings on. —Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2025

Lighter than lotion but just as hydrating, this silky serum taps avocado butter and shea butter to soften hands soft along with aloe vera and cactus flower to calm irritation. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 12 Dec. 2025

But while Gowland’s lotion may have been a net-negative on a gentleman’s healthspan, modern science tells us Sir Walter was certainly correct that excessive UV exposure ages your complexion prematurely, and could shorten your life. —Chris Cohen, Literary Hub, 11 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English loscion, from Latin lotion-, lotio act of washing, from lavere to wash — more at lye

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lotion

• notion
• ocean
• potion
• commotion
• demotion
• devotion
• emotion
• laotian
• promotion
• locomotion

Kids Definition

lotion

noun

lo·​tion ˈlō-shən 

: a liquid preparation for use as a cosmetic or as a medicine on the outside of the body

Etymology

from Latin lotion-, lotio "act of washing," from lotus, past participle of lavere "to wash" — related to laundry, lavatory, lavish

Medical Definition

lotion

noun

lo·​tion ˈlō-shən 

1

: a liquid usually aqueous medicinal preparation containing one or more insoluble substances and applied externally for skin disorders

2

: a liquid cosmetic preparation usually containing a cleansing, softening, or astringent agent and applied to the skin

hand lotion

aftershave lotion