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

The bestselling cream-like balm melts into a clear, oil-like cleanser when warmed between dry palms, dissolving makeup, sunscreen, and grime before emulsifying with water and rinsing clean. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026

My typical morning routine is a cleanser, a drugstore moisturizer, and my favorite tinted sunscreen. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 4 Sep. 2026

Chemical sunscreen filters absorb UV rays, while the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in mineral sunscreens sit on the skin’s surface and physically deflect them. — Alison Abbey Hudak, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026

Wear loose, breathable, light-colored clothing and a wide-brim hat, and use sunscreen that's at least SPF 30. — Chad Murphy, USA TODAY, 1 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sunscreen

• agin
• alkene
• allene
• ameen
• amin
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• benzene
• between
• bromine

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