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

Shop more Victoria’s Secret lotions and perfumes from just $7, below. —Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 14 June 2026

Today, Being Frenshe offers more than 60 product variations, including body butters, lotions, body washes, fragrances, and even a Soothing & Hydrating Body Serum Stick with Magnesium, which is a standout from the line. —Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026

While a big tub of the hydrating lotion is quite pricey, this travel-size version is $41 less — and the ideal size for a carry-on bag! —Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026

Don’t leave without dropping by the rustic farm store to peruse body lotions and scrubs handcrafted onsite with the farm’s lavender essential oils. —Midwest Living, 11 June 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