sunblock

noun

sun·​block ˈsən-ˌbläk How to pronounce sunblock (audio)
: a preparation (such as a lotion) applied to the skin to prevent sunburn (as by physically blocking out ultraviolet radiation)
also : its active ingredient (such as titanium dioxide) compare sunscreen

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The active ingredients in sunblock are usually zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Claire Gillespie, Health, 24 Mar. 2023 However, the best aspect of this silky sunblock is that it can be used all over the body and face. Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 28 Feb. 2023 It's said that the Tschuggen Grand Hotel is on the sunny side of Arosa, so there are constant reminders to bring plenty of sunblock with you. Christopher Elliott, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2023 This optimism radiates off the faces of out-of-town visitors, slathered in sunblock in winter, who are just happy to be here, whether at the ballpark or a local restaurant — hotel-ticket travel packages are sold out for each team. Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2023 Be sure to pack plenty of water, sunblock and your sun hat, even in cooler months, and start early in the morning on warmer days. Robin Soslow, Chron, 12 Feb. 2023 So despite living underwater, perhaps these thick-skinned mammals should consider slathering on some sunblock, too. Breanna Draxler, Discover Magazine, 31 Aug. 2013 OurCalling, a nonprofit that serves people who are homeless, will extend the hours of its day center to keep people out of the heat and to hand out kits with water, sunblock, lip balm, sunglasses and cooling neck wraps. Angelica Perez, Dallas News, 8 June 2022 In those early years, sunblock was not widely used by the public, or me. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 13 Oct. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sunblock.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sunblock was in 1953

Dictionary Entries Near sunblock

Cite this Entry

“Sunblock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sunblock. Accessed 30 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

sunblock

noun
sun·​block -ˌbläk How to pronounce sunblock (audio)
: a preparation (as a lotion) applied to the skin to prevent sunburn (as by physically blocking out the sun's rays)

Medical Definition

sunblock

noun
sun·​block ˈsən-ˌbläk How to pronounce sunblock (audio)
: a preparation (as a lotion) applied to the skin to prevent sunburn (as by physically blocking out ultraviolet radiation)
also : its active ingredient (as titanium dioxide) compare sunscreen

More from Merriam-Webster on sunblock

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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