noun
sunscreen
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
Word Forms
sunscreened past tense, sunscreens plural, sunscreens singular
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Put on _____ before you head to the pool.
Etymology
Formed from sun + screen — something that "screens" or shields the skin from the sun.