sunshine

[ suhn-shahyn ]

noun

1. the shining of the sun; direct light of the sun.
2. brightness or radiance; cheerfulness or happiness.
3. a source of cheer or happiness.
4. the effect of the sun in lighting and heating a place.
5. a place where the direct rays of the sun fall.

adjective

1. of or relating to sunshine laws:

   sunshine rules.

2. fair-weather ( def 2 ).

sunshine

/ ˈsʌnˌʃaɪn /

noun

1. the light received directly from the sun
2. the warmth from the sun
3. a sunny area
4. a light-hearted or ironic term of address

Derived Forms

• ˈsunˌshiny, adjective

Other Words From

• sunshineless adjective
• sunshiny adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sunshine¹

1200–50; Middle English sunnesin; sun, shine ¹

Example Sentences

Day laborers sort red chilies that have been dried in the scorching sunshine of India’s Andhra Pradesh state.

From Science Magazine

These are the walks we do again and again, when we need to shake out our blues, get a new perspective or just enjoy some of our city’s famous sunshine.

From Los Angeles Times

Sometimes the light shifts slowly from one side of the altar to the other, recalling sunshine streaming through windows over the course of a day.

From Los Angeles Times

On Holderness Road, the area's main shopping street, people were taking a walk around East Park in the autumn sunshine, despite freezing temperatures.

From BBC

The new album’s title may hint at sunshine and waking hours, but make no mistake, Yoakam is a night owl, a man for whom work begins around dusk and often stretches into dawn.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bulb
• candle
• daylight
• flash
• glare
• glow
• lamp
• lantern
• radiation
• ray
• star
• sun
• window