sunshine

1 of 2

noun

sun·​shine ˈsən-ˌshīn How to pronounce sunshine (audio)
1
a
: the sun's light or direct rays
b
: the warmth and light given by the sun's rays
c
: a spot or surface on which the sun's light shines
2
: someone or something (such as a person, condition, or influence) that radiates warmth, cheer, or happiness
3
sunshiny adjective

sunshine

2 of 2

adjective

: forbidding or restricting closed meetings of legislative or executive bodies and sometimes providing for public access to records
sunshine laws

Examples of sunshine in a Sentence

Noun Today's forecast calls for sunshine. Let's go out and enjoy the sunshine! She was the kind of person who brought sunshine into people's lives.
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.
Noun
The morning commute should be uneventful, though some sunshine may break through the clouds. Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024 Before making their way there, though, diners will enjoy canapes out on the patio, courtesy of L.A.’s year-round sunshine. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
Runoff from Wednesday in low-lying parts of the Mission, Noe Valley and pockets of the west side will linger through Thursday afternoon, gradually dropping off as skies clear and sunshine returns. Gerry Díaz, San Francisco Chronicle, 5 Jan. 2023 Is sunshine protective against melanoma of the vulva? Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 15 May 2012 See all Example Sentences for sunshine 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sunshine was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near sunshine

Cite this Entry

“Sunshine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sunshine. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

sunshine

noun
sun·​shine
-ˌshīn
1
a
: the sun's light or direct rays
b
: the warmth and light given by the sun's rays
2
: one (as a person or a condition) that spreads warmth, cheer, or happiness
sunshiny
-ˌshī-nē
adjective

Legal Definition

sunshine

adjective
sun·​shine
: forbidding or restricting closed meetings of legislative or executive bodies and sometimes providing for public access to government records
sunshine laws
see also Freedom of Information Act

More from Merriam-Webster on sunshine

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!