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

To get a pin-straight finish, Korab recommends applying a smoothing lotion or oil and doing a sleek blowout, followed by a flat iron. — Omenaa Boakye, InStyle, 19 Sep. 2026

Make sure skin is clean and dry so the patch sticks — skip body lotions or oils in this area. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 16 Sep. 2026

The skinification of body care set the stage Body care used to mean lotion. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Sep. 2026

While lotions and conditioners can help, treating the root cause is one of the most effective preventive methods. — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Sep. 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