- present participle of shine.
shining
Americanadjective
-
- Synonyms:
- effulgent
-
shining talents.
- Synonyms:
- lustrous
-
conspicuously fine.
a shining example.
- Synonyms:
- splendid, prime, eminent, distinguished, outstanding
Synonym Usage
See bright.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of shining
First recorded before 900; Middle English s(c)hininge, schininde, Old English scinende; see shine 1, -ing 2
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Brilliant blue and white stars sparkle against glowing crimson clouds of hydrogen gas, creating a breathtaking scene that resembles fireworks shining through drifting smoke.
From Science Daily • Jul. 5, 2026
But its original progressive elements have not only lasted, but become the law of the entire land — from sea to shining sea.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2026
The sun was shining in Philadelphia hours before kick-off but, after the referee blew for half-time, then came the heavy downpours and threats of thunder and lightning.
From BBC • Jun. 23, 2026
Like the energy infrastructure sector more broadly, the fund has a history of dramatic year-to-year swings but is shining right now.
From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026
Ms. Pearl’s wrinkly face breaks into a shining smile.
From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
