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 lotions and creams that deliver water to the skin, body oils work by locking in moisture and strengthening the skin barrier, which can be particularly helpful during colder months. —Deanna Pai, Glamour, 27 Dec. 2025

Another lot of shoppers picked up this luxurious Cyklar body wash and lotion duo that Oprah included in her most recent list of Favorite Things. —Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025

Sunscreen lotions and sprays have expiration dates, and keeping them beyond those dates can mean you’re not fully protected from harmful rays. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2025

On the walls of the massage table room are photos and paintings of nude women; on the shelves are bottles of lotion, Astroglide and other lubricant. —Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 20 Dec. 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