sunspot

noun

sun·​spot ˈsən-ˌspät How to pronounce sunspot (audio)
: any of the dark spots that appear at times on the sun's surface and are usually visible only through a telescope

Examples of sunspot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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With complex sunspot regions facing Earth, the storm delivered one of the most widespread auroral events since activity peaked in late 2024. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025 The number of sunspots, which are cool and dark patches on the sun, varies across its 11-year solar cycle, with the maximum number of sunspots corresponding with maximum solar activity. Robert Lea, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2025 Solar science involves analyzing sunspots and other solar activity, while climatology focuses on weather patterns, and meteorology studies atmospheric conditions. Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025 The Farmers’ Almanac uses a proprietary astronomical and mathematical formula that dates back to 1818, which looks at things like planet positions, the moon location, as well as sunspot activity for the basis of its long-range outlooks. Kansas City Star, 16 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sunspot

Word History

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sunspot was in 1676

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Cite this Entry

“Sunspot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sunspot. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

sunspot

noun
sun·​spot -ˌspät How to pronounce sunspot (audio)
: one of the dark spots that appear from time to time on the sun's surface and are usually visible only through a telescope

More from Merriam-Webster on sunspot

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