lotion

noun

lo·​tion ˈlō-shən 

: a liquid preparation for cosmetic or external medicinal use

Examples of lotion in a Sentence

a bottle of suntan lotion

Recent Examples on the Web

The skinification of body care set the stage Body care used to mean lotion. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Sep. 2026

The result is an unusually fluid lotion that absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy film. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026

Always follow up your scrub with a hydrating moisturizer or body lotion to help skin recover and retain moisture. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 2 Sep. 2026

But beyond tackling dryness and dehydration, more active body lotions have ingredients—like peptides and retinol—that target specific concerns associated with aging skin. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English loscion, from Latin lotion-, lotio act of washing, from lavere to wash — more at lye

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lotion

• notion
• ocean
• potion
• commotion
• demotion
• devotion
• emotion
• laotian
• promotion
• locomotion

Kids Definition

lotion

noun

lo·​tion ˈlō-shən 

: a liquid preparation for use as a cosmetic or as a medicine on the outside of the body

Etymology

from Latin lotion-, lotio "act of washing," from lotus, past participle of lavere "to wash" — related to laundry, lavatory, lavish

Medical Definition

lotion

noun

lo·​tion ˈlō-shən 

1

: a liquid usually aqueous medicinal preparation containing one or more insoluble substances and applied externally for skin disorders

2

: a liquid cosmetic preparation usually containing a cleansing, softening, or astringent agent and applied to the skin

hand lotion

aftershave lotion