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.
During perimenopause—the period of time that can last years, before a woman’s menstrual cycle ends—dropping estrogen levels can thin and dry skin, he said, and suggested that I put lotion on before bed.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 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
She says the current trend to create tan lines by burning in the sun, coupled with false claims that suntan lotion is responsible for the very cancer it's trying to prevent is a "perfect storm".
From BBC • Aug. 3, 2025
She moved his useless limbs around to get his blood flowing and rubbed them with lotion and creams.
From Slate • Feb. 4, 2025
I bathed them and brushed them and helped the visiting vet nurse apply lotion to their over-scratched flea bites.
From "Please Ignore Vera Dietz" by A.S. King
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.
