# sunscreen

/ˈsənskɹin/ (US) · /sˈʌnskɹiːn/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sunscreen
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a cream or liquid you put on your skin to protect it from the sun. It helps prevent your skin from getting burned.

For teachers: a topical substance, such as a lotion or spray, that absorbs or reflects some of the sun's ultraviolet radiation to protect the skin from sunburn.

## Examples

- You should apply sunscreen before going to the beach.
- Even on cloudy days, dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen to protect your face from long-term sun damage.
- The effectiveness of any sunscreen depends heavily on its sun protection factor and whether the user reapplies the product after swimming or sweating.

## Usage notes

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

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