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

What to look for in a non-toxic sunscreen Is there a 100% natural sunscreen? —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 1 May 2025

Stock up on summer beauty essentials, including sunscreens, moisturizers and more, at a great price. —Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 30 Apr. 2025

Dermatologists urge everyone, but especially those who are extra-sensitive to the sun, to regularly apply sunscreen and wear other skin coverings when out in the sun. —Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025

The organizing pro recommends rotating items seasonally (for instance, adding sunscreen in the spring and gloves in the winter) to keep the space functional year-round. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 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