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

Get ready for the beach, lake or a day at camp with tote bags and belt bags, perfect for holding towels, goggles, toys, sunscreen and more. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026

There are some non-negotiables travelers don’t want to forget on a theme park day at Walt Disney World or Disneyland from sunscreen to park tickets, and of course, their best pair of Mickey ears. —Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2026

To protect your skin, apply sunscreen to all skin that clothing will not cover. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2026

Historically, sunscreens focused primarily on UVB protection, but the introduction of broad-spectrum formulas added UVA protection, changing the category entirely. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 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