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

Japanese sunscreen has always been the best; the lightest formulations, the silkiest textures, and some of the most affordable prices too. —Anita Bhagwandas, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026

At Hanauma Bay, a popular Hawaii snorkeling spot, nearly 2,600 daily visitors left around 412 pounds of sunscreen in the ocean each day, according to a 2017 study by nonprofit Haereticus Environmental Laboratory. —ABC News, 28 Apr. 2026

Conditions at the beaches remain relatively calm, with a low risk of rip currents, though a high UV index means sunscreen is strongly recommended. —Lissette Gonzalez, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026

The last step in a great antiaging skin care regimen is, of course, sunscreen. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sunscreen

• agin
• alkene
• allene
• ameen
• amin
• amine
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• benzene
• between

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