sunscreen

noun sun·screen \ ˈsən-ˌskrēn \

|Updated on: 8 Aug 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

Bring gloves, hats, sunscreen, insect repellent and water.

— mary lou cruz, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Davie area events July 18-28," 14 July 2018
Everyone should know that sunscreen is not a complete block.

— Vogue, "8 Skin-Care Products Every Woman Should Use Before She Turns 30," 10 July 2018
Participants should wear sunscreen, bug repellant and hiking boots or shoes.

— kate santich, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Free orientation to Lake County's Scrub-Jay Trail Saturday," 6 July 2018
The most important part of skin care, as everyone tells you, is sunscreen.

— emily sundberg, The Cut, "How One San Francisco Artist Gets Her Skin So Good," 5 July 2018
Get Down with the Locals for a Caribbean Christmas Picture yourself swapping your mittens for sunscreen, snow galoshes for a floppy hat and eggnog for beachside tropical cocktails.

— princess cruises, Bon Appetit, "Set Sail for Adventure This Holiday Season," 2 July 2018
The good news is sunscreen is not only in vogue, it's being formulated to help a beach bum out in almost every situation.

— andrea mandell, USA TODAY, "5 SPF trends your face needs this summer," 29 June 2018
Organizers recommend making sunscreen, shade and hydration priorities.

— jim kiest, San Antonio Express-News, "This weekend’s Folklife Festival savors Texas’ many flavors," 6 June 2018
Other necessities include your standard towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and cover-ups.

— bridget hallinan, Condé Nast Traveler, "Your Next Weekend Trip from NYC Should Be to Asbury Park, New Jersey," 25 May 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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