sunscreen

noun sun·screen \ ˈsən-ˌskrēn \

|Updated on: 13 Jun 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

Volunteers should wear sturdy shoes or boots and a hat and bring a water bottle and sunscreen.

— linda mcintosh, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Lake San Marcos Kiwanis Club elects officers... community news," 31 May 2018
So for the rest of the day in the sun, sunscreen should be applied.

— sunhee grinnell, Vanities, "Here Comes the Sun: A 2018 Summer Tanning Guide," 25 May 2018
There’s no pill or capsule that can replace your sunscreen.

— jamie ducharme, Time, "The FDA Is Warning People to Steer Clear of Sunscreen Pills," 23 May 2018
Don’t forget your sunscreen! 3 Search out crafts, antiques, collectibles and more June 2-3 at Old Falls Village Days, Old Falls Village Museum, N96 W15791 County Line Road, Menomonee Falls.

— debi eimer, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Here's 45 ways you can have fun this summer in the Germantown-Menomonee Falls area," 21 May 2018
Go enjoy the warmth of summer, but wear your sunscreen.

— yvette d'entremont, SELF, "How Much Do You Really Have to Worry About Trying to Prevent Cancer?," 16 May 2018
The forecast calls for a run of sunny days with temperatures in the 80s, suggesting an outbreak of shorts, sundresses and sunscreen at Quail Hollow.

— ron green jr., charlotteobserver, "Quail Hollow comes alive: Charlotte’s golf tournament back home where it belongs | Charlotte Observer," 1 May 2018
Don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses if out at midday.

— a. camden walker, Washington Post, "D.C.-area forecast: Breezy but warm through tomorrow. Sunday into Monday rain is still welcome.," 13 Apr. 2018
Glitter is hard enough to deal with on its own, and trying to mix it with sunscreen just seems even more complicated.

— tamara fuentes, Seventeen, "Glitter Sunscreen Actually Exists, So You Can Protect Your Skin AND Keep It Sparkly," 9 Apr. 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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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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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