lotion

noun

lo·​tion ˈlō-shən How to pronounce lotion (audio)
: a liquid preparation for cosmetic or external medicinal use

Example Sentences

a bottle of suntan lotion
Recent Examples on the Web If the skin on your body gets really dry, consider layering a body serum under your body lotion. Talia Ergas, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2023 The bathroom is stocked with Listerine, Lubriderm lotion and bobby pins; the fridges teem with Red Bull, baby carrots and a wide selection of juices. Lora Kelley, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2023 West advises starting with a scented lotion or cream, and finishing with its companion parfum or eau de toilette for longer wear. Tiffany Dodson, Harper's BAZAAR, 3 Feb. 2023 If your skin is super dry and peeling, try applying the moisturizer first, under your benzoyl peroxide lotion or gel. Angela Palmer, Verywell Health, 28 Jan. 2023 Though, if the itching is really bad, a steroid lotion or ointment may be the key to your relief, says Dr. Rodney. Women's Health, 27 Jan. 2023 Properly caring for and selecting the right tattoo lotion or cream is key in ensuring the longevity of your body art. Cristina Montemayor, Men's Health, 19 Jan. 2023 If your favorite cologne brand also offers a scented body lotion or other scented product, try using the products together. Dallas News, 30 Nov. 2022 After shaving, make sure to keep the area moisturized with a lotion or oil. Yerin Kim, Seventeen, 9 Nov. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lotion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of lotion was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near lotion

Cite this Entry

“Lotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lotion. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

lotion

noun
lo·​tion ˈlō-shən How to pronounce lotion (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce lotion (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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