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 main pocket has plenty of room for your keys plus a few other accessories like makeup or travel size hand sanitizer and lotion. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 3 May 2025

These are more efficient than your average zippered disposable bags because the leakproof and waterproof bags can contain smelly clothes, messy lotions and gels, and more. —Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2025

It's also used in fragranced products like shampoo and lotion, the US. —Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025

Commerce editor Sarah Han applying Saturday Skin's Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask Sarah Han EOS Shea Better Body Lotion $11 $9 Amazon Wrap your skin in a silky-soft hug with Eos's Shea Better Body Lotion, a buttery-smooth lotion that melts right in. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 28 Apr. 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

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