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

Customers of all ages and skin types swear by the Eos body lotion. —Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026

Rub some of your favorite body oil or lotion onto damp skin to keep it hydrated. —Christina Montoya Fiedler, Parents, 28 Jan. 2026

Use moisturizing lotions after showering. —Fara Rosenzweig, Outside, 24 Jan. 2026

Old Toiletries Don't let nearly empty bottles of perfume, lotion, and foundation stymie you in the mornings. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 Jan. 2026

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