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

That star ingredient shows up front and center in the Centella Light Cleansing Oil, which sweeps away sunscreen and makeup while helping keep skin calm and comfortable. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Mar. 2026

Pack sunscreen, hats and lightweight clothing. —Taylor Haught, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Mar. 2026

Mineral sunscreens like zinc oxide help to protect against UV and some visible light. —Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026

Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and apply sunscreen. —Hannah Dreyfus, AZCentral.com, 19 Mar. 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