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noun Uncommon

sunscreen

Sunscreen (noun) means a lotion or cream applied to the skin to block harmful sun rays and prevent sunburn. Example: “Put on sunscreen before you head to the pool.”

noun
1
A lotion or cream applied to the skin to block harmful sun rays and prevent sunburn.
"Put on sunscreen before you head to the pool."
"He reapplied sunscreen every two hours at the beach."
verb
1
To apply sunscreen to someone or something.
"Can you sunscreen my back before we go out?"

How to use sunscreen

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSkin protection against UV rays, usually rated by SPF.

UK vs US

In British English, "sun cream" or "suncream" is at least as common as "sunscreen"; American English favours "sunscreen".

Common pairings
SPF sunscreen apply sunscreen reef-safe sunscreen

Word forms

sunscreened past tense, sunscreens plural, sunscreens singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Put on _____ before you head to the pool.

Etymology

Formed from sun + screen — something that "screens" or shields the skin from the sun.

sunblock sun blocker

Related words

Rhymes for sunscreen

See all rhymes for sunscreen →

Frequently asked questions

What does “sunscreen” mean?

The word “sunscreen” means a lotion or cream applied to the skin to block harmful sun rays and prevent sunburn. In plain terms, skin protection against UV rays, usually rated by SPF.

How do you use “sunscreen” in a sentence?

Here is “sunscreen” used in a sentence: “Put on sunscreen before you head to the pool.”

What part of speech is “sunscreen”?

Depending on how it is used, “sunscreen” can be a noun and a verb.

Is “sunscreen” a common word?

“Sunscreen” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “sunscreen” have?

“Sunscreen” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a lotion or cream applied to the skin to block harmful sun rays and prevent sunburn.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial