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

Every Tone lightweight face sunscreen was developed with dermatologists that goes on clear and looks invisible on all skin tones. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024

Use only mineral sunscreen to avoid damaging coral reefs. —Chadd Scott, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024

The five-minute work shows Julius, Jimmy Johnson, and Rashid walking on a beach, rubbing sunscreen on one another’s backs, playing chess, reading, engaged with and taking care of each other. —Calvin Tomkins, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024

So ideally, your ski pants have plenty of pockets and compartments to store all of your essentials (think sunscreen, chapstick, hand cream, your valuables, hand warmers, and snacks). —Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 3 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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