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.
Rachel Weisz, as his love interest, is unfiltered sunshine.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 5, 2026
I’m not trying to suggest that the old Congress was all sunshine and daisies.
From Slate ● Oct. 29, 2026
"People are going outside without fear, taking walks and enjoying the autumn sunshine," he added.
From Barron's ● Oct. 28, 2026
Sunday is due to be a drier day but still very windy with some sunshine and occasional passing showers.
From BBC ● Oct. 25, 2026
A ray of winter sunshine fell on the fishbowl, making it so warm that Ralph began to pant.
From "Ralph S. Mouse" by Beverly Cleary
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
