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

For me, corneal neuralgia symptoms feel like burning and stinging, like bleach in my eye, or sunscreen or shampoo. —Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025

They can get warped by humidity, smudged with sunscreen, or crumpled in the bottom of a tote. —Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 28 May 2025

For this reason, some believe mineral sunscreen is more stable and lasts longer than chemical sunscreen. —Health, 27 May 2025

Minimize direct exposure with the sun and make sure to use sunscreen when outdoors. —Ashley Fredde, Idaho Statesman, 27 May 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