Synonyms

sunscreen

American

[suhn-skreen] / ˈsʌnˌskrin /

Or sun screen

noun

a substance formulated to prevent sunburn, skin cancers, and other conditions caused by excessive exposure to the sun, usually by absorbing and reflecting ultraviolet radiation.
a lotion, cream, etc., containing such a substance.
a latticework or similar construction to shield a patio, atrium, or the like, from direct sunlight.

sunscreen British

/ ˈsʌnˌskriːn /

noun

a cream or lotion applied to exposed skin to protect it from the ultraviolet rays of the sun

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of sunscreen

First recorded in 1730–40; sun + screen

Vocabulary lists containing sunscreen

Lyrics from "Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)" by Baz Luhrmann

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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:

sunscreen

Like other tour guides, Giusto always urges tourists to stay hydrated, wear a hat and sunscreen.

From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2026

Soak up some sun … or slather on the sunscreen?

From Slate ● Jul. 30, 2026

Social media posts wrongly claiming that sunscreen causes cancer have been spreading widely online.

From BBC ● Jul. 25, 2026

"The best sunscreen is the one people will actually use," said Addae.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 20, 2026

While Emma touches up Lily’s sunscreen, I pull out my inflatable crocodile.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023