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.
Simón’s films favor naturalism and “Romería” leaves ample room for Spain’s seaside beauty and glorious sunshine.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2026
"The skies have remained largely cloud-free, allowing strong sunshine to heat things up even more", he added.
From BBC • Jun. 27, 2026
There will be some sunshine ahead of and behind the front which will drag behind it the cooler air.
From BBC • Jun. 27, 2026
Clearer skies allow more sunshine to cook Earth's surface, creating a heat feedback loop.
From Barron's • Jun. 23, 2026
Ophie had tried to open the curtains to let in the glorious spring morning sunshine and had gotten an earful, and that was only the beginning.
From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland
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.
