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

The business focuses on natural beekeeping practices and manufactures products made with beeswax and honey such as lip balm, beard oil, candles, solid perfume, lotions, paw balm for dogs and cotton candy as well as a wide variety of raw honey. —Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2025

Made with organic jojoba oil and botanical hyaluron, the lotion has an amazing hand-feel—no greasy residue or stickiness. —Grace McCarty, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025

While traditional lotions, creamy moisturizers, and thick oils still exist today, today’s offerings are much more sophisticated. —Essence, 30 Sep. 2025

Take the many that are offering citrus-scented products designed to lift your spirits on cold, dark days; or the others who’ve introduced deeply moisturizing serums and lotions to keep your skin in great condition from head to toe. —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2025

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