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

Ocean Shield develops an environmentally friendly macromolecular sunscreen ingredient while Purvée Technology’s device can detect microplastics and microfibers using smart hardware equipped with infrared spectroscopy and AI algorithms. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Oct. 2025

Traditionally, researchers apply sunscreen to volunteers’ skin and then expose them to UV light until the skin turns red, essentially waiting for a sunburn to measure how effective the product is. —Kelly Dobos, Allure, 2 Oct. 2025

Green advises following the American Academy of Dermatology’s guidance to apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen to your fingers and the backs of your hands before a gel manicure, or to wear a pair of opaque fingerless gloves. —Holly Burns, Time, 30 Sep. 2025

Key Takeaways The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises applying moisturizer first, followed by sunscreen for optimal hydration and protection from UV rays. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 30 Sep. 2025

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