sunscreen

noun

sun·​screen ˈsən-ˌskrēn How to pronounce sunscreen (audio)
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 How to pronounce sunscreen (audio)
adjective

Examples of sunscreen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There was a time when a day at the beach involved a towel and some sunscreen. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026 As with any sunscreen, reapplication is what keeps protection working. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 1, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026 Just don’t forget the sunscreen — a heat dome is expected to push temperatures close to 100 degrees. — Fritz Hahn, Washington Post, 2 July 2026 Freedom 250 says blankets are allowed, but lawn chairs, coolers, drink tumblers and aerosol sunscreen are prohibited. — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sunscreen

Word History

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sunscreen was in 1738

Rhymes for sunscreen

See All Rhymes for sunscreen

Browse Nearby Words

sunscald
sunscreen
sunseeker
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sunscreen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sunscreen. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sunscreen

noun
sun·​screen -ˌskrēn How to pronounce sunscreen (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce sunscreen (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on sunscreen

Nglish: Translation of sunscreen for Spanish Speakers

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