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

Investigators from the district attorney’s offices found that the drug store sold expired over-the-counter items including sunscreen, hand sanitizer and aspirin, prosecutors said, adding that the effectiveness of these products is sometimes reduced after their expiration date. —Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026

This Saturday’s protest, the first major one expected since Operation Metro Surge wound down last month, has a much different tone – music legend Bruce Springsteen is expected to perform, and demonstrators are encouraged to bring sunscreen. —Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026

Due to regulation differences, Europe has about 30 different sunscreen filters approved for use and America has nearly half that. —Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 27 Mar. 2026

Yet many people still treat sunscreen like an optional accessory and hydration like a suggestion. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 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