Synonyms

sunscreen

American

[suhn-skreen] / ˈsʌnˌskrin /

Or sun screen

noun

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.
a lotion, cream, etc., containing such a substance.
a latticework or similar construction to shield a patio, atrium, or the like, from direct sunlight.

sunscreen British

/ ˈsʌnˌskriːn /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of sunscreen

First recorded in 1730–40; sun + screen

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Patients experience severe pain, burning and blistering when they spend even a few minutes in the sun, even with sunscreen.

From The Wall Street Journal

They had no adult actors on set to learn from, and lots of sunscreen and insect repellent was required.

From BBC

I have my own towel and bathing suit plus two tubes of sunscreen, an extra pair of flip-flops, and an inflatable crocodile.

From Literature

He was glad his mother had insisted he rub sunscreen on his face and arms before they left the camper.

From Literature

"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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023