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

This two-in-one Dove cream pulls double duty as a moisturizing lotion and a serum that’s packed with niacinamide, vitamin C, pro-retintol, and shea butter to minimize the appearance of dark spots, even your complexion, smoothen texture, and brighten the skin. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 3 May 2026

Floral perfumes, scented deodorants and even some lotions can attract mosquitoes. —Ryan Brennan may 1, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026

Sol de Janeiro’s body lotion comes with a convenient pump that quickly dispenses the lotion so my skin can reap the benefits of the formula. —Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026

However, some body lotion ingredients are better suited to certain skin types. —Carley Millhone, Health, 30 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for lotion

• notion
• ocean
• potion
• commotion
• demotion
• devotion
• emotion
• laotian
• promotion
• locomotion

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