ENGLISH
REFERENCE

lotion

n. C / U
A2 Elementary US //ˈɫoʊʃən// UK //lˈəʊʃən// lo·tion Archaic

n. a thick liquid that you rub into your skin to make it feel soft or to protect it from the sun.

n. a low-viscosity topical preparation intended for application to the skin. Often formulated as an oil-in-water emulsion to provide hydration or deliver medicinal ingredients.


SIMPLE

She applies moisturizing lotion to her hands every morning.

CONTEXTUAL

You should apply a high-SPF sun lotion at least twenty minutes before going outside to prevent skin damage.

COMPLEX

The dermatologist recommended a fragrance-free lotion to soothe the patient's chronic eczema without causing further irritation to the sensitive dermal layers.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English locion, borrowed from Latin lōtiō, lōtiōnem (“a washing”), from lavō (“to wash”); see lave. Doublet of lavation.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the substance in general; countable when referring to a specific type or bottle.

© 2026 English Reference