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 gel texture is so airy and layers seamlessly underneath my sunscreen and makeup, too. —Sarah Han, Allure, 25 Apr. 2025

The silky, lightweight texture glides effortlessly over my skin, breaking down makeup and sunscreen without any greasy residue. —Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 25 Apr. 2025

While sunscreen should be worn year-round, the spring and summer is when consistency matters most. —Cierra Black, Essence, 23 Apr. 2025

This natural sunscreen shields vines during the morning hours, allowing grapes to develop complex flavors while maintaining crucial acidity. —Jill Barth, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 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