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

For less than $20, the body lotion is certainly worth checking out (and slathering on from head to toe). — Jamie Allison Sanders, InStyle, 19 June 2026

It is also recommended to use either topical or oral antihistamines to reduce itching, such as hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or an antihistamine gel (which reduces itching), as well as Benadryl or Claritin. — Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 19 June 2026

Apply to clean, dry skin only, since serums and lotions can block light absorption. — Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026

Plus, Rossi said, the likelihood of that extra vitamin A absorbing through your skin in a meaningful way after lotion application isn't high. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 18 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