sunburn

1 of 2

verb

sun·​burn ˈsən-ˌbərn 

sunburned ˈsən-ˌbərnd  or sunburnt ˈsən-ˌbərnt  ; sunburning

transitive verb

: to burn or discolor by the sun

intransitive verb

: to become sunburned

sunburn

2 of 2

noun

: inflammation of the skin caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation especially from sunlight

Examples of sunburn in a Sentence

Noun

He has a bad sunburn.

Use sunscreen to prevent sunburn.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Fox News Proud American Embroidered Bucket Hat: $39.95 Avoid getting sunburned while proudly proclaiming your love for America with a Proud American bucket hat. —Christopher Murray, Fox News, 30 Aug. 2024

Their eyes are merely sunburned — on set by the enormous spotlight brought in to satiate the studio’s demand for the film to be brighter. —Jack King, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2024

Noun

Then there’s the Ti Leaf Relief Wrap, cool and tender, a bit like being wrapped in a giant leaf by someone who’s taken note of your sunburn but doesn’t want to make a fuss. —Laura Parker, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

After hearing about her sunburn, the veteran hairstylist had another idea for how to wear the choker. —Rachel Burchfield, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

back-formation from sunburned, from sun + burned

First Known Use

Verb

1530, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1584, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sunburn

1 of 2 verb

sun·​burn -ˌbərn 

sunburned -ˌbərnd  or sunburnt -ˌbərnt  ; sunburning

1

: to burn or discolor by the sun

2

: to become sunburned

sunburn

2 of 2 noun

: a sore red state of the skin caused by too much sunlight

Medical Definition

sunburn

1 of 2 transitive verb

sun·​burn -ˌbərn 

sunburned -ˌbərnd  or sunburnt -ˌbərnt  ; sunburning

: to affect with sunburn

sunburned skin

sunburn

2 of 2 noun

: inflammation of the skin caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation especially from sunlight

called also erythema solare