sunblock

American  

[suhn-blok] / ˈsʌnˌblɒk /

Or sun block

noun

• sunblocks
  plural

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.

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• sunblocks
  plural

Etymology

Origin of sunblock

First recorded in 1975–80; sun + block

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sunblock sunblocks

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

"You have to use sunblock, you have to cover your face and body, because it can be a bit dangerous if you get a sunburn or heat rash," said Solis.

From Salon ● Sep. 3, 2024

There’s a store at Willow Beach Marina that sells snacks, sunblock, hats, water shoes, dry bags and boating and fishing supplies; open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily in summer.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 31, 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

“Well, it doesn’t pour out like water. It’s more gooey, like sunblock, so you’ve really gotta squeeze,” Shelly said, demonstrating on a capped container.

From "Flush" by Carl Hiaasen

Hawaii’s ban leaves producers with two options: continue offering chemical sunscreens without oxybenzone and octinoxate or switch over to natural, mineral-based sunblocks.

From Slate ● May 7, 2018