sunscreen

noun

sun·​screen ˈsən-ˌskrēn How to pronounce sunscreen (audio)
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 adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web When the sunny days do come, be sure to use sunscreen that's been graded as safe for coral reefs in order to help protect the state's natural gifts. Lori A. May, Chron, 19 Mar. 2023 That, with our moisturizer, in the evenings and the night, and our sunscreen during the day, is just a game-changer. Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 16 Mar. 2023 Other garden party ideas to make your guests comfortable include supplying sunscreen and sunglasses or having cup koozies to keep drinks cold. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Mar. 2023 The sunscreen was apparent on Casas's face during a recent spring game. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 9 Mar. 2023 Cabanas, those curtained-off retreats with TVs, padded lounge chairs, couches, trendy sunscreen and other perks, are fetching eye-popping prices as the travel boom stokes demand. Dawn Gilbertson, WSJ, 8 Mar. 2023 The reef-safe sunscreen is a fan-favorite for its fast-absorbing formula and reliable broad-spectrum coverage, which is water resistant up to 80 minutes. Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 6 Mar. 2023 Skin cancer also occurs in darker skinned individuals, if less commonly, so sunscreen is important for everyone, regardless of their skin tone. Angus Chen And Rachel Cohrs, STAT, 3 Mar. 2023 First and foremost, protect your skin from sun exposure by using a daily sunscreen to avoid premature signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration. Tish Weinstock, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2023 See More

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.

Word History

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sunscreen was in 1738

Dictionary Entries Near sunscreen

Cite this Entry

“Sunscreen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sunscreen. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

sunscreen

noun
sun·​screen -ˌskrēn How to pronounce sunscreen (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce sunscreen (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on sunscreen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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