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

With gallons of sunscreen, truckloads of ice and innovative hot-weather treats like upside-down sundaes, day camps are keeping thousands of kids cool in Hotlanta’s record-breaking temperatures. — Cassidy Alexander, AJC.com, 24 July 2026

Most broad-spectrum sunscreens help defend against harmful UV damage, but some, like CeraVe’s Invisible Mineral Sunscreen, pull double duty by combining SPF with skin-loving ingredients. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 23 July 2026

For those who lowkey love the scent of sunscreen, this is like the more elevated version of it. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 23 July 2026

Experts caution against replacing traditional sunscreen with these oral alternatives. — Kristen Fischer, Health, 22 July 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