sunblock

American  

[suhn-blok] / ˈsʌnˌblɒk /

Or sun block

noun

1. a substance that provides a high degree of protection against sunburn, often preventing most tanning as well as burning, as by obstructing the penetration of ultraviolet rays.

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

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Etymology

Origin of sunblock

First recorded in 1975–80; sun + block

Example Sentences

Products passing through the giant site range from insulin capsules and lifestyle drugs to medicated sunblock and drums of sulphuric acid.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

As I stroll along the shore, I’m hit by a mix of salty sea air mingles and the scent of coconut sunblock a beachgoer is applying.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 16, 2024

Darker skin tones, prevalent in equatorial regions, serve as nature's very own sunblock, evolving over millennia to shield these populations from the sun's intense ultraviolet radiation.

From Science Daily • Jan. 12, 2024

The money he earns from begging is rarely enough to cover his meals and rent, let alone the sunblock and glasses he needs to protect his sensitive skin and eyes.

From BBC • Sep. 4, 2023

She could already feel a hint of bum on her nose, and realized she had forgotten to stick on a sunblock patch after daybreak.

From "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld