lotion
Americannoun
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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
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.
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
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
Forced to smear herself with a lotion that Teddy claims saps her powers, she does it with feathery spa fingers like she’s getting a facial.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 23, 2025
Wearing custom-made, medical-grade compression stockings can help manage the condition, and experts also recommend patients elevating their legs at night and using lotion.
From BBC • Jul. 18, 2025
June said she bought her lotion at the mall, so we’re going to go there together this weekend.
From "P.S. I Miss You" by Jen Petro-Roy
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.
