sunscreen

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noun sun·screen \-ˌskrēn\

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

sunscreening

adjective

See sunscreen defined for English-language learners

See sunscreen defined for kids

Recent Examples of sunscreen from the Web

Hello, sunshine Reapplying traditional sunscreen to a face full of makeup during the day can be problematic.

— star-telegram, "Lotions of Refuge: Protect yourself from harmful UV rays with hair, face and body products", 5 July 2017
Come and enjoy them--but use sunscreen and hydrate!

— Fox News, "Christie pic furor is just the beginning: States enter summer of budget pain", 3 July 2017
Having removed tobacco products from its stores in 2014, CVS is now hiding junk food away from the storefront, getting rid of tanning oils and low-protection sunscreens and banishing foods that contain artificial trans-fats.

— lara o’reilly, WSJ, "CMO Today: Fox’s Sky Bid Gets More Scrutiny; Nike Capitulates to Amazon; NYT’s Editorial/Ad Divide", 29 June 2017
Out in the parking lot, wreathed in the citrusy odor of the sunscreen four young men are slathering on their torsos before heading across Ocean Avenue, some of those who've opted out explain why.

— Time, "Where Did America's Summer Jobs Go?", 29 June 2017
There’s just something about the smell of sunscreen and funnel cakes that says good times to me. Plus, the people are fascinating.

— by sherry kuehl, kansascity, "At water parks, inhibitions go slip-sliding away", 28 June 2017
Glass containers and aerosol cans, including sunscreenScooters or personal motorized vehicles.

— jeffrey lee puckett, The Courier-Journal, "Leave the guns and drugs at home: Forecastle Festival do's, don'ts and tips", 26 June 2017
And with summer officially here, there’s one necessary — yet pricey — product at the top of our lists: sunscreen.

— jillian ruffo, PEOPLE.com, "Here's What We're Buying from Dermstore's 20% Off Sunscreen Sale", 23 June 2017
Rhode Island’s proposal would exempt sunscreen from state rules banning students from using over-the-counter drugs at public schools without special permission.

— zaz hollander, Alaska Dispatch News, "Body of one of two missing Wales boaters found", 22 June 2017

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

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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

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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

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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