sun-kissed

American  

[suhn-kist] / ˈsʌnˌkɪst /

Also sun kissed,

adjective

1. (of skin) tanned or bronzed, or (of hair) lightened in color, by or as if by the sun.

   This natural bronzer enriches your skin and adds radiant, sun-kissed color.

   A newer trend is for sun-kissed blonde hair and darker roots.

2. abounding in sunshine; characteristically sunny.

   His work has taken him all over the world, from the sun-kissed beaches of Zanzibar to the icy wastes of the Arctic Circle.

3. evoking sunshine or sunny weather.

   We only use peak season tomatoes, so the sauce is filled with sun-kissed deliciousness.

   The festival kicked off with one of my favorite bands drenching the early afternoon in sun-kissed tropical pop.

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Etymology

Origin of sun-kissed

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

In its seven decades of racing, Formula One has become synonymous with some of the most glamorous, sun-kissed locations in the world, from Miami to Monte Carlo.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

“The Madison” makes the most of that with cinematography that lingers on her face as if it were part of Montana’s sun-kissed natural beauty.

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2026

US-born Gu, who switched allegiance to China in 2019, was hugged by her mum after her shocking first run on the sun-kissed slopes.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

The 22-year-old, playing in his sixth Test, announced himself as England's long-term number three with a fabulous unbeaten 142 at a sun-kissed Sydney Cricket Ground.

From BBC • Jan. 7, 2026

The vines were beautiful, deep green against the glowing sun-kissed stone, like the illuminated marginalia in a manuscript.

From "The Inquisitor's Tale" by Adam Gidwitz