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 candles can be bought in 8-ounce or 16-ounce jars, and many scents also are found in stores and online in wax melts, hand and body lotions, and linen sprays. —The Courier-Journal, 4 Nov. 2024

This magnesium body lotion from Neom, $41 at Nordstrom, is scented with notes of English lavender, sweet basil and jasmine and packs a big magnesium punch to relax you. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 30 Oct. 2024

Diddy is back at it again, requesting partygoers to lather up in lotion. —Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 4 Oct. 2024

Maack prefers unscented lotion such as Agent Nateur but other popular lotions include L’Occitane almond range, EOS range and most recently launched the Eccentric Molecules body lotions. —Bea McMonagle, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

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