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

Airplane windows don’t fully block ultraviolet rays, so dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen—especially in the window seat. —Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2025

Here, a selection of hard-working blue light sunscreens to add to your free radical-blocking regimen. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025

Before leaving, visit the bathrooms and apply sunscreen to prepare for a 2-mile walk to the Rainey Street District. —Kathryn Streeter, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025

Skin discoloration happens to the best of us, even those who religiously apply and reapply sunscreen every day or refuse to pick at pimples for fear of scarring. —Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 29 Oct. 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