sunshine
Americannoun
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the shining of the sun; direct light of the sun.
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brightness or radiance; cheerfulness or happiness.
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a source of cheer or happiness.
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the effect of the sun in lighting and heating a place.
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a place where the direct rays of the sun fall.
adjective
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of or relating to sunshine laws.
sunshine rules.
noun
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the light received directly from the sun
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the warmth from the sun
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a sunny area
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a light-hearted or ironic term of address
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of sunshine
Explanation
Sunshine is the light that comes from the sun. On a clear, cloudless spring day, you can go outside and enjoy the sunshine. Scientifically, sunshine or sunlight is the radiation that the sun gives off. You can describe any light or warmth you observe from the sun as sunshine: "Look at the sunshine sparkling on the lake this morning!" Figuratively, the word is also used for cheerfulness, warmth, and happiness: "It's all sunshine and sing-alongs in the kindergarten classroom, but fourth grade is totally different."
Vocabulary lists containing sunshine
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.
This Mediterranean city seems to have it all — 300 days of sunshine, miles of beaches, a lively restaurant and nightlife scene, a beautiful and highly walkable historic center, and excellent public transportation.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 22, 2026
As I walked out into the desert sunshine, I tried to reconcile the suffering I’d seen online with aliens performing metaphysical microsurgeries throughout my body.
From Slate ● Sep. 22, 2026
But where she was something of a ray of sunshine in “Reacher,” she has been loaded here with issues, including a dying father who isn’t telling her something.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 2026
On 30 July, "we had perfect weather, sunshine, no winds," Mingma G says.
From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026
“Um…” My plate is empty, so I should be eager to hang out with Emma and the kids, but my limbs have grown tired in the bright sunshine.
From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller
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.
