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

The town around the Sussexes looks like a sun-kissed version of a Windsor Estate, with green acres and wide expanses.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

Swiss master Marco Odermatt won that day in Val Gardena, but had to be happy with fourth in a sun-kissed Wengen, a result that consolidates his healthy lead atop the overall standings.

From Barron's • Jan. 16, 2026

They may not see the wonders they create, but through Bentley and Kwedar’s lens, their rail lines and train trestles stand like monuments against the sun-kissed backdrop.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 5, 2025

I’ll march a little tote of pre-marinated tofu or good, all-beef hot dogs to the park, commune with nature and return home sun-kissed and full of smoky triumph.

From Salon • Jul. 21, 2025

This he had never experienced at Judge Miller’s down in the sun-kissed Santa Clara Valley.

From "The Call of the Wild" by Jack London