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

This powder sunscreen is great for mattifying that area. —Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 1 Apr. 2025

Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray Twin Pack 32% OFF Delivering UVA/UVB protection, this spray sunscreen can protect your skin throughout all your summer travels. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025

Participants should bring water and wear sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, work gloves and comfortable clothing. —Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2025

Buy: Sun Protection Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Spray with SPF 50 This Sun Bum sunscreen spray lives in my bag in the spring and summer. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 25 Mar. 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