lotion

noun

lo·​tion ˈlō-shən 

: 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

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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

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