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

Berry’s exact Chico’s straw bag with leather handles easily fits flight essentials and can transition to carry a towel, sunscreen, and water bottle to the beach. — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026

Nagarrete encouraged those who want to spend time outdoors over the weekend to take precautions due to the heat, including staying hydrated and drinking electrolytes, wearing sunscreen and other sun protection and limiting time spent outdoors. — Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026

After about two hours, your sunscreen has basically just turned into a moisturizer. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2026

How to Remove Sunscreen From Washable Clothing If the sunscreen lands on a washable garment, follow these steps before tossing it into the laundry. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sunscreen

• agin
• alkene
• allene
• ameen
• amin
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• benzene
• between
• bromine

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