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

Old lotions and bath products should not be placed in the donation bin, as thrift stores can't resell them for health and hygiene reasons. —Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2026

There’s plenty of storage, including a lower-level shelf and a drawer with space for essentials like lip balm, lotion, reading glasses, and more. —Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2026

Obviously, this is when having a beast-mode scent pays off, but there’s other ways to make your perfume last longer, like layering similar-scented body lotions and oils. —Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 16 Feb. 2026

The toiletries carry a serene, fresh scent, one that carries over from shampoo and conditioner to body lotion and more. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 16 Feb. 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