sunspot

noun

sun·​spot ˈsən-ˌspät 

: any of the dark spots that appear at times on the sun's surface and are usually visible only through a telescope

Examples of sunspot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As the theory goes, more sunspots are correlated with more solar activity and stronger magnetic storms, which could in turn affect the temperatures here on earth. —Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 7 Nov. 2024

Now that the agencies have determined that the sun has reached the zenith of Solar Cycle 25, sunspots located in regions of intense magnetic activity should increase. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024

The sun's solar cycle is expected to continue its peak into 2025 and early 2026 and dramatic activity on the surface of the sun—including sunspots and coronal mass ejections—could push visibility of the lights as far south as Texas. —Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

Scientists have found that about every 11 years, there’s more magnetic solar activity, which cases sunspots and the lights. —Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 11 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sunspot

noun

sun·​spot -ˌspät 

: one of the dark spots that appear from time to time on the sun's surface and are usually visible only through a telescope