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.
Meanwhile the hotel boutique stocks the best of ISSIMO’s brands from LabSolue body lotion (also in rooms along with ISSIMO’s travel kits) to ISSIMO x Lido capsule collection swimsuits. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 July 2026 Homegrown catnip oil lotion is just as effective as DEET at repelling mosquitoes, according to a new study in Uganda. — Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 10 July 2026 That doesn’t mean slathering on an egregious amount of lotions and serums, though — the 59-year-old actress’s mature skincare regimen is surprisingly simple. — Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026 The 6% catnip lotion performed as well as the DEET product, while the 2% formula offered nearly the same level of protection. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 8 July 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 12 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of lotion for Spanish Speakers

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