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

Unlike other deep moisturizers, this lotion has a nongreasy finish. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026

As seen on the actor and Honest Company beauty founder's Instagram, the Artemis II astronauts were hoping to keep their hands moisturized with lotion from the brand during their 10-day journey around the moon. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 8 Apr. 2026

At one point, astronaut Christina Koch was heard searching for her hand lotion. —Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 8 Apr. 2026

Your Moisturizer Needs an Upgrade Light lotions that worked in your 30s often fall short now. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Apr. 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