sunscreen

noun

sun·​screen ˈsən-ˌskrēn 

1

: a screen to protect against sun

2

: a preparation (such as a lotion) applied to the skin to prevent sunburn (as by chemically absorbing ultraviolet radiation)

also : its active ingredient (as benzophenone) compare sunblock

sunscreening

ˈsən-ˌskrē-niŋ 

adjective

Examples of sunscreen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Red Cross volunteers at the Acropolis hand out kits with sunscreen, water, information leaflets and red caps. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026

The result is a category where scientific performance and consumer experience have evolved in tandem, making Korean sunscreens among the most admired in the world. — Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day to protect against both UVA and UVB rays to prevent more sun spots. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 18 Aug. 2026

Come prepared with water, sunscreen, and appropriate footwear for the hike, as well as a method of payment for admission fees to climb the tower ($8 for adults, $5 for 17 and under). — Midwest Living, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sunscreen

• agin
• alkene
• allene
• ameen
• amin
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• benzene
• between
• bromine

Kids Definition

sunscreen

noun

sun·​screen -ˌskrēn 

: a preparation (as a lotion) applied to the skin to prevent sunburn (as by chemically absorbing the sun's rays)

Medical Definition

sunscreen

noun

sun·​screen -ˌskrēn 

: a preparation (as a lotion) applied to the skin to prevent sunburn (as by chemically absorbing ultraviolet radiation)

also : its active ingredient (as benzophenone) compare sunblock

sunscreening adjective