sunburn

1 of 2

verb

sun·​burn ˈsən-ˌbərn 

sunburned ˈsən-ˌbərnd  or sunburnt ˈsən-ˌbərnt  ; sunburning

transitive verb

: to burn or discolor by the sun

intransitive verb

: to become sunburned

sunburn

2 of 2

noun

: inflammation of the skin caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation especially from sunlight

Examples of sunburn in a Sentence

Noun

He has a bad sunburn.

Use sunscreen to prevent sunburn.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Fox News Proud American Embroidered Bucket Hat: $39.95 Avoid getting sunburned while proudly proclaiming your love for America with a Proud American bucket hat. —Christopher Murray, Fox News, 30 Aug. 2024

Their eyes are merely sunburned — on set by the enormous spotlight brought in to satiate the studio’s demand for the film to be brighter. —Jack King, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2024

Noun

Ointments may be applied to alleviate a sunburn, although more serious cases should be seen by a physician. —Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 27 Aug. 2024

Then there’s the Ti Leaf Relief Wrap, cool and tender, a bit like being wrapped in a giant leaf by someone who’s taken note of your sunburn but doesn’t want to make a fuss. —Laura Parker, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

back-formation from sunburned, from sun + burned

First Known Use

Verb

1530, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1584, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sunburn

1 of 2 verb

sun·​burn -ˌbərn 

sunburned -ˌbərnd  or sunburnt -ˌbərnt  ; sunburning

1

: to burn or discolor by the sun

2

: to become sunburned

sunburn

2 of 2 noun

: a sore red state of the skin caused by too much sunlight

Medical Definition

sunburn

1 of 2 transitive verb

sun·​burn -ˌbərn 

sunburned -ˌbərnd  or sunburnt -ˌbərnt  ; sunburning

: to affect with sunburn

sunburned skin

sunburn

2 of 2 noun

: inflammation of the skin caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation especially from sunlight

called also erythema solare