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

Treatments for acne range from over-the-counter creams and lotions to prescription-strength medications. — Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026

The store offers household essentials such as dish soap, hand soap and laundry detergent, along with personal care products including shampoo, conditioner, lotion and body wash. — Beret Leone, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

The ancient Greeks’ grooming was not limited to hair and beards; men used lotion from head to toe, often multiple times a day, and abrasive powders to brush their teeth. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026

Purchased by over 1,000 people this month, the nourishing lotion is suitable for use on both the face and neck. — Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 5 Oct. 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