sunburst

[ suhn-burst ]

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.

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sunburst¹

First recorded in 1810–20; sun + burst

Example Sentences

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

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

She was a sunburst in the rift of strangers.

From Literature

The watch boasts a “sunburst blue” solid gold dial with white gold hour markers and numeral “dots.”

From Washington Times

The interior has been lovingly restored too, with modern lighting and sound upgrades mostly concealed and the ceiling’s sunburst ornamentation shining in its full glory.

From Los Angeles Times