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 Blue Lizard sunscreen goes into my embarkation tote beside my swimsuit. — Amanda Eyre Ward, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2026

That philosophy is reflected in Moore’s five-minute morning routine, which consists of cleansing, moisturizing and reaching for tinted sunscreen. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2026

Serafina, the resort boutique, stocks everything from sunscreen, bathing suits, sandals, and cover-ups to grab-and-go snacks and drinks. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026

Within ideologies like effective altruism, very earnest and brilliant young minds unironically debate the purpose of putting on sunscreen if AI is only going to kill us all. — Rumman Chowdhury, Rolling Stone, 25 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