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

And after a summer spent in the ocean and pool, my skin is certainly reaping the benefits of this nourishing drugstore lotion. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 19 Aug. 2026

Exfoliation is the easiest way to combat the issue, and this retinol body lotion addresses it from every angle. — Mary Honkus, Glamour, 18 Aug. 2026

Leave contact lenses, lotions, makeup, nail polish and scented products at home. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Plus, soaps and lotions aren’t just limited to guest bathrooms. — Emma Ashe, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 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