lotion

noun

lo·​tion ˈlō-shən How to pronounce lotion (audio)
Synonyms of lotionnext
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The chemicals provide flexibility and lubrication in a wide variety of products, including children’s toys, food storage containers, shower curtains, deodorants, hair gels and body lotions. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 Use a basic dish soap that doesn’t include extra lotions and perfumes. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 2026 The significant difference between antifungal cream and lotion is that lotions have a higher water content that provides a barrier to keep the skin well hydrated. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026 The First Aid lotion is made with colloidal oatmeal, which can relieve dry and distressed skin, while the La Roche-Posay cream is made with ceramides and niacinamide, two skincare ingredients that help the skin restore and retain moisture. — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lotion

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of lotion was in the 15th century

Rhymes for lotion

See All Rhymes for lotion

Browse Nearby Words

lotiform
lotion
lotio nigra
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lotion. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lotion

noun
lo·​tion ˈlō-shən How to pronounce lotion (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce lotion (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on lotion

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for lotion

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