sunscreen

sunscreen — noun

1. a product such as a cream, lotion, or spray that people put on their skin to shi

1.nounA2
Definition

a product such as a cream, lotion, or spray that people put on their skin to shield it from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays and avoid getting sunburned or damaging the skin.

Example

At the beach, Gabriela applies a generous layer of sunscreen to her face and arms.

collocation: apply a generous layer of sunscreen

This sunscreen is labelled SPF 50 and protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays.

collocation: SPF 50, UVA / UVB rays

Common collocations
  • apply sunscreen
  • wear sunscreen
  • put on sunscreen
  • reapply sunscreen
  • water-resistant sunscreen
  • broad-spectrum sunscreen
  • sunscreen with SPF 50
Synonyms
  • sunblock

    a type of sunscreen that physically blocks UV rays rather than absorbing them chemically; often used interchangeably in casual conversation

  • sun cream

    common British English term, especially for lotion-based formulations

  • sun lotion

    general term, often used for products with lower SPF or for tanning rather than full protection

Grammar Patterns

sunscreen + noun (as modifier: sunscreen lotion, sunscreen spray)

apply / use / wear + sunscreen

Usage Note

Sunscreen is most often uncountable ("Apply plenty of sunscreen"). It becomes countable when referring to different formulations or brands ("There are several excellent sunscreens for sensitive skin on the market").

Common Mistakes

I forgot to bring sunblock to the pool.
I forgot to bring sunscreen to the pool.
In everyday English, sunscreen and sunblock are used interchangeably, but technically sunblock physically blocks UV rays with minerals like zinc oxide, whereas sunscreen absorbs them chemically.

Word family

  • sunblock
    nounB1
  • sun protection factor
    noun phraseA2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Sunscreen is the broadest and most commonly used term in both American and British English for any product applied to the skin to protect against UV radiation. Sunblock is a more specific term for formulations that physically reflect or block UV rays (typically containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide), whereas most sunscreens work by chemically absorbing UV radiation — though in everyday conversation the two are used interchangeably. Sun cream is a chiefly British term for lotion-based sunscreens and is less common in American English. Example: "I need to buy sunscreen before the trip" (neutral). "This sunblock leaves a white cast on my skin" (more specific, physical blocker). "Pass me the sun cream, please" (British, casual).

sunscreen ↗sunblocksun cream

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • apply sunscreen
  • put on sunscreen
  • wear sunscreen
  • reapply sunscreen
  • use sunscreen
  • a layer of sunscreen
  • sunscreen with SPF

Prepositions

  • with sunscreen
  • without sunscreen

Etymology

Old EnglishOld FrenchEnglish

Sunscreen is a compound of sun (from Old English sunne, referring to the star at the centre of our solar system) and screen (from Old French escren, meaning a shield or protective barrier). The word was first used in the 19th century to describe physical shades or screens that block sunlight, and by the early 20th century it had come to mean the chemical lotions and creams applied to the skin for UV protection.