sun·burn ˈsən-ˌbərn 
sunburned ˈsən-ˌbərnd or sunburnt ˈsən-ˌbərnt ; sunburning
or sunburnt ˈsən-ˌbərnt ; sunburning
: to burn or discolor by the sun
: to become sunburned
: 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
Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 17 Mar. 2026 Bear in mind, however, that some things aren’t worth the risk such as getting sunburned after slathering on old sunscreen or developing a rash from a skin serum that’s gone bad. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Dec. 2025
Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2026 Pruning can make lemon trees more susceptible to sunburn. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sunburn
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.
Verb
What the Viral Posts Claimed The posts circulating across social media alleged that a man had been found sunburned on a beach in Lee County, Florida, after being held underwater for three days by dolphins. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 17 Mar. 2026 Bear in mind, however, that some things aren’t worth the risk such as getting sunburned after slathering on old sunscreen or developing a rash from a skin serum that’s gone bad. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Dec. 2025
Noun
Don’t let your trip be interrupted by a gnarly sunburn, and come prepared with sunscreen—especially for your face, which will likely get the most exposure. —Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2026 Pruning can make lemon trees more susceptible to sunburn. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sunburn
Cite this Entry
“Sunburn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/sunburn. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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