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

My combination skin also felt softer when applying my moisturizers, serums, and sunscreen. —Jasmine Thompson, Health, 30 Nov. 2025

Still, it’s never made sense to pack full-size shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and sunscreens—most of which come in 12-ounce bottles or tubes. —Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 28 Nov. 2025

This week, get everything from cult-favorite sunscreen formulas to the best red light therapy masks on sale. —Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 26 Nov. 2025

Earth’s ozone layer acts as a planetary sunscreen, shielding humans, animals and plants from harmful ultraviolet radiation. —Daniel Peck, ABC News, 24 Nov. 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