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 adjective

Examples of sunscreen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Bring your eclipse glasses and sunscreen for this once-in-a-lifetime event. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 14 Mar. 2024 Other aerosol products, including sunscreen sprays and spray deodorants, as well as non-aerosol hand sanitizers, have also come under industry scrutiny for possible benzene contamination. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 8 Mar. 2024 Moisturizer then seals in hydration, and sunscreen provides essential protection against UV damage. Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2024 Reactions to sunscreen can be due to the active ingredients (e.g. oxybenzone) or due to fragrances or preservatives included in the sunscreen product. Daniel More, Verywell Health, 8 Mar. 2024 Elevation changes can make weather unpredictable, so packing clothing layers, sunscreen, and bug spray is never a bad idea. Krista Simmons and J.d. Simkins, Sunset Magazine, 8 Mar. 2024 These ingredients, known as mineral sunscreen or physical sunscreen, protect the skin by blocking the sun’s rays. Ambrosia V. Brody, Parents, 20 Feb. 2024 Remember to bring cash and leave the sunscreen at home, as the lagoon has a strict no-sunscreen policy to help preserve the wildlife. Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2024 Of course, for best results, use supplements in conjunction with a healthy diet and skincare routine (and don’t forget the sunscreen). Kate Donnelly, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sunscreen.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sunscreen was in 1738

Dictionary Entries Near sunscreen

Cite this Entry

“Sunscreen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sunscreen. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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