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

During warmer months, be prepared for heat and humidity with sunscreen, hats and a reusable water bottle. —Taylor Haught, Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2026

For parents, think about placing one in the medicine cabinet or on a shelf with the family’s daily-use items — vitamins, allergy medicine, sunscreen. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 20 Apr. 2026

Kanwal recommends applying at least 1 ounce of sunscreen to your body and 1 teaspoon to your face. —Allison Forsyth, Health, 20 Apr. 2026

Benzophenone, for example, is a sunscreen that is a common cause of dry lips. —Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 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