1
a
often capitalized
: the luminous celestial body around which the earth and other planets revolve, from which they receive heat and light, which is composed mainly of hydrogen and helium, and which has a mean distance from earth of about 93,000,000 miles (150,000,000 kilometers), a linear diameter of 864,000 miles (1,390,000 kilometers), and a mass 332,000 times greater than earth
b
: a celestial body like the sun : star
2
: the heat or light radiated from the sun
played in the sun all day
3
: one resembling the sun (as in warmth or brilliance)
4
: the rising or setting of the sun
from sun to sun
sunned; sunning
: to expose to or as if to the rays of the sun
: to sun oneself
Sunday
Synonyms
Examples of sun in a Sentence
Noun
The rain has stopped and the sun is shining.
The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
the warmth of the sun's rays
They dream of traveling to distant suns.
Try to keep out of the sun.
The cat lay basking in the sun.
Verb
People sunned themselves on the hillside.
Recent Examples on the Web
David Szondy, New Atlas, 21 Dec. 2024
The first day of winter is marked by the winter solstice, which occurs when the Earth’s axis tilts farthest from the sun.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Dec. 2024
Justine Calma, The Verge, 10 Dec. 2024
Sitting and sunning by the 14th floor pool puts you steps away from the poolside cafe Bella’s Rooftop Bar.
—Essence, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sun 
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Noun
Today, the major navies of the world continually have submarines sailing beneath the waves on patrols lasting three months or longer without ever seeing the sun or stars or feeling the open air.
—David Szondy, New Atlas, 21 Dec. 2024
The first day of winter is marked by the winter solstice, which occurs when the Earth’s axis tilts farthest from the sun.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Dec. 2024
Verb
That should free Google up a bit to chase the wind and sun with this new partnership.
—Justine Calma, The Verge, 10 Dec. 2024
Sitting and sunning by the 14th floor pool puts you steps away from the poolside cafe Bella’s Rooftop Bar.
—Essence, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sun
Dictionary Entries Near sun
Cite this Entry
“Sun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sun. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sun
1 of 2 noun1
a
: the star around which the planets revolve, from which they receive heat and light, and which has an average distance from the earth of about 93,000,000 miles (150,000,000 kilometers), a diameter of 864,000 miles (1,390,000 kilometers), and a mass 332,000 times greater than earth
b
: a star like the sun
2
: the heat or light given off by the sun : sunshine
3
: one resembling the sun usually in brilliance
4
: the rising or setting of the sun
from sun to sun
sun
2 of 2 verb
sunned; sunning
1
: to expose to or as if to the rays of the sun
2
: to sun oneself
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