sunburst

American  

[suhn-burst] / ˈsʌnˌbɜrst /

noun

1. a burst of sunlight; a sudden shining of the sun through rifted clouds.

2. a firework, piece of jewelry, ornament, or the like, resembling the sun with rays issuing in all directions.

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adjective

1. Sewing. sewn or made to resemble a sunburst; having the rays or lines of design flared from a central point.

   sunburst pleats; sunburst tucks.

sunburst British  

/ ˈsʌnˌbɜːst /

noun

1. a burst of sunshine, as through a break in the clouds

2. a pattern or design resembling that of the sun

3. a jewelled brooch with this pattern

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Etymology

Origin of sunburst

First recorded in 1810–20; sun + burst

Example Sentences

Some of the older kids at De Anza High School in Richmond, Calif., were holding a Fender Stratocaster, glowing with an orange sunburst design.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2025

These sea anemones -- belonging to the genus Anthopleura and commonly referred to as sunburst sea anemones -- exhibit a genetic color variation that ranges from vibrant neon-green to more subdued olive or gray-green hues.

From Science Daily • Mar. 11, 2024

The stage lights at one point seemed to illuminate nothing but the sunburst pattern on his bass and Jones wondered if it was the same instrument McCartney had played in the early ’60s.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 16, 2024

Among the lots is a 1959 Gibson Les Paul with a sunburst finish, known as the "Holy Grail of electric guitars", which has an estimate of £300,000 to £500,000.

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2023

Upon the high altar stood a golden monstrance in the shape of a sunburst, at the center of which—exposed through a tiny window— was the round wafer of bread.

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez