sunscreen

noun sun·screen \ ˈsən-ˌskrēn \

Updated on: 19 Apr 2018

Definition of sunscreen

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

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sunscreening

play \ˈsən-ˌskrē-niŋ\ adjective

See sunscreen defined for English-language learners

See sunscreen defined for kids

Recent Examples of sunscreen from the Web

The Consumer Reports study design was misleading and made people distrust their sunscreen for no reason.

— dr. leslie baumann, miamiherald, "Sunscreen sun protection factor (SPF) testing methods explained," 16 Apr. 2018
The council asks volunteers to bring gloves, brooms, rakes and clippers if possible, and to wear protective clothing, sunscreen and a hat.

— don stacom, Courant Community, "Ahead of Earth Day, Central Connecticut Groups Offer Volunteer Park, Trail Cleanups," 13 Apr. 2018
This daily treatment bridges that gap between sunscreen and high quality face treatment.

— garrett munce, GQ, "The Best Moisturizers with SPF Will Preserve Your Good Looks for Years to Come," 7 Apr. 2018
Just a tip: To get colors off easily after the festival, organizers suggest using a bit of a separation barrier between the colors and your skin and hair — like sunscreen or hair oil — before the event.

— Naperville Sun, "Holi festival brings out the colors of spring," 27 Mar. 2018
If technicolor sun care isn't your thing, that's okay too, just layer your sunscreen on over your moisturizer after it's totally absorbed into your skin.

— perri ormont blumberg, Southern Living, "WATCH: What Should You Put on First: Sunscreen or Moisturizer?," 26 Mar. 2018
My favorite sunscreen is Le Tan’s SPF50+ Coconut Sunscreen Lotion.

— zoe ruffner, Vogue, "8 Swimsuit Designers on the Best Sunscreens for Your Spring Escape," 26 Mar. 2018
Yung recommends combating these effects by wearing sunscreen and a hat, even using an umbrella during the daytime.

— marian liu, CNN, "How your skin care could protect you from pollution," 20 Mar. 2018
All that's left to do is to buy some reef-safe sunscreen and a beach towel.

— meredith carey, Condé Nast Traveler, "Flight Deal: West Coast to Hawaii from $197 Round-Trip," 20 Mar. 2018

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

First Known Use of sunscreen

1738

SUNSCREEN Defined for English Language Learners

sunscreen

noun

Definition of sunscreen for English Language Learners

: a lotion that you put on your skin to prevent sunburn by blocking out some of the sun's rays

SUNSCREEN Defined for Kids

sunscreen

noun sun·screen \ ˈsən-ˌskrēn \

Definition of sunscreen for Students

: a preparation applied to the skin to prevent sunburn usually by chemically absorbing the sun's ultraviolet radiation

Medical Dictionary

sunscreen

noun sun·screen \ -ˌskrēn \

medical Definition of sunscreen

: 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

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