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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- sunscreens
- Third person singular
- sunscreens
- Past tense
- sunscreened
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.
Synonyms
View more →
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.
