sunscreen

American  

[suhn-skreen] / ˈsʌnˌskrin /

Or sun screen

noun

1. a substance formulated to prevent sunburn, skin cancers, and other conditions caused by excessive exposure to the sun, usually by absorbing and reflecting ultraviolet radiation.

2. a lotion, cream, etc., containing such a substance.

3. a latticework or similar construction to shield a patio, atrium, or the like, from direct sunlight.

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sunscreen British  

/ ˈsʌnˌskriːn /

noun

1. a cream or lotion applied to exposed skin to protect it from the ultraviolet rays of the sun

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Etymology

Origin of sunscreen

First recorded in 1730–40; sun + screen

Example Sentences

Originally used in 16th-century England to describe a new idea in philosophy or religion, the term can be used to define almost anything, from a new sunscreen lotion to an mRNA vaccine.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

The safety of sunscreen ingredients will not be part of the review nor will products designed specifically for children.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Between packing passports and sunscreen, he has been checking the State Department travel advisory pages often, which lists Morocco as a level 2 risk — exercise caution.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 11, 2026

"Using sunscreen to protect against UV damage, regular use of a topical retinol/retinoid, and avoiding smoking can all help preserve collagen and prevent its breakdown."

From Science Daily • Jan. 29, 2026

Fewer areas to put sunscreen on and fewer areas to sunburn.

From "Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus" by Dusti Bowling