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

Usually, essences are defined by their watery, toner-like textures, but in the Essence Light Sunscreen, the perks are bundled into an airy lotion that blends, hydrates, and protects like a pro. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 9 Apr. 2025

In a montage where the whole family is out on the water having a ball, he’s shown dropping a bottle of lotion and futilely attempting to pick it up. —Scott Tobias, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2025

Choose oil-rich eczema creams or ointments, which are thicker than lotions. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 27 Mar. 2025

Effective home remedies to try include cool, wet compresses, lukewarm baths (not hot) with colloidal oatmeal, and calamine lotion. —Petra Guglielmetti, Glamour, 24 Mar. 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