lotion
Americannoun
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lotions
plural
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Pharmacology. a liquid, usually aqueous or sometimes alcoholic preparation containing insoluble material in the form of a suspension or emulsion, intended for external application without rubbing, in such skin conditions as itching, infection, allergy, pain, or the like.
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a liquid cosmetic, usually containing agents for soothing or softening the skin, especially that of the face or hands.
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of lotion
1350–1400; Middle English locion < Latin lōtiōn- (stem of lōtiō ) a washing. See lotic, -ion
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.
See Examples For:
I always forget to put lotion on, so I get a lot of crap from my teammates for being super ashy.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 21, 2026
A CeraVe TikTok touting a “looksmaxxing protocol” parodied “bone smashing” en route to advertising lotion, while Carl’s Jr. said its sandwich name conveys an “all-in mindset” in a culturally resonant way.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026
Scabies is not usually serious but does need to be treated, normally by applying an over-the-counter cream or lotion to the entire body, with the treatment repeated seven days later.
From BBC ● Jan. 27, 2026
When his dad’s balance from his personal allowance started to go over the limit, Murguia had to use it to buy things such as shampoo and body lotion.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 14, 2025
Kendra smeared sunblock across her arms, disliking the greasy feel of the lotion against her skin.
From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull
Inside, there are stations of SPF lotions, rows of toner pads and scanners that purport to analyze skin and scalp health.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 28, 2026
This treatment is FDA approved, widely available over the counter, and comes in topical forms such as lotions and foams.
From Science Daily ● May 7, 2026
Mike Bronner is boss of California-based Dr Bronner's, well known in the US for its soaps, lotions and toothpaste.
From BBC ● Dec. 3, 2025
“Creams and ointments are always better than lotions, things out of jars are always better than things out of a pump bottle.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 10, 2025
They passed out boxes of heart-shaped soaps, fuzzy slippers, creamy pink lotions, fancy hand towels, men’s shiny ties, and chocolates, which surprised Liyana, since they’d barely eaten chocolate in their own house.
From "Habibi" by Naomi Shihab Nye
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
