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

Just remember to bring cash and sunscreen—the market takes place outside the temple in the north of the city. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026

The chalky white cast that some sunscreens lend to skin is one of the reasons people tend to shy away from them. —New Atlas, 14 Feb. 2026

An interior drop pouch holds climbing skins, three zippered outer pockets swallow headlamps and sunscreen. —Kelly Bastone, Outside, 10 Feb. 2026

That beautiful smell is in the air; that intoxicating cocktail of cut grass, sunscreen, and overpriced domestic brews. —Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sunscreen

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

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