lotion

noun

lo·​tion ˈlō-shən 

: a liquid preparation for cosmetic or external medicinal use

Examples of lotion in a Sentence

a bottle of suntan lotion

Recent Examples on the Web

Countdown to Midnight, featuring subtle notes of smooth scotch, comes in a body wash, body spray and hydrating body cream, while Cue the Confetti, with hints of blackberry, comes in a body lotion, body cream, fragrance mist and body wash. —Julia Teti, WWD, 12 Dec. 2024

This Burt’s Bees kit, which over 100,000 shoppers have purchased in the past month, comes with travel-size versions of the brand’s best-sellers, including a cleanser, hand salve, body lotion, foot cream, and lip balm. —Mia Huelsbeck, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024

The Natus beauty set includes a Moroccan oil shampoo, hair serum, body lotion, and a wooden comb. —Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 5 Dec. 2024

Courtesy of brand Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Trio $94 $70 Sol de Janeiro This SPF trio comes complete with the spray, lotion, and body oil, all of which protect skin from the sun and leave behind an illuminating, smooth finish. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English loscion, from Latin lotion-, lotio act of washing, from lavere to wash — more at lye

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

lotion

noun

lo·​tion ˈlō-shən 

: a liquid preparation for use as a cosmetic or as a medicine on the outside of the body

Etymology

from Latin lotion-, lotio "act of washing," from lotus, past participle of lavere "to wash" — related to laundry, lavatory, lavish

Medical Definition

lotion

noun

lo·​tion ˈlō-shən 

1

: a liquid usually aqueous medicinal preparation containing one or more insoluble substances and applied externally for skin disorders

2

: a liquid cosmetic preparation usually containing a cleansing, softening, or astringent agent and applied to the skin

hand lotion

aftershave lotion