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

Shade, hats, sunscreen and plenty of drinking water should be part of your eclipse plan. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2026

C’mon, isn’t the prospect of a scar on your nose another good reason to reach for sunscreen daily? — Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 2 Oct. 2026

Hats, comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen are also advised. — Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026

For longer outdoor stints, some shade, a hat, and a mineral sunscreen can help handle it. — Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 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