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

Do not wear makeup or lotions on the day of your skin check.25 4. —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 12 Jan. 2025

According to the Environmental Working Group, the average woman uses 12 beauty products daily, such as body cleansers, conditioners, hair dyes, fragrances, skincare items, scented lotions, nail polish, and makeup. —Holly Eve, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025

These include certain foods, environmental irritants, medications, insect bites, and household or personal care products (such as shampoo or lotion). —Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 7 Jan. 2025

Secondly, all three experts emphasized that the most common skin care concerns cannot be addressed with topical treatments alone—no lotion or serum can compensate for poor diet, lack of sleep or inactivity. —Eva Crouse, Flow Space, 6 Jan. 2025

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

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