sunspot

noun

sun·​spot ˈsən-ˌspät 

: 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

Stronger solar cycles — those with a higher sunspot peak — tend to be shorter in duration, and weaker solar cycles are usually longer. —Ryan French, Space.com, 9 Sep. 2025

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sunspot

• allot
• barat
• begot
• besought
• bethought
• bloodshot
• boycott
• buckshot
• crackpot
• croat
• culottes
• dashpot

Kids Definition

sunspot

noun

sun·​spot -ˌspät 

: one of the dark spots that appear from time to time on the sun's surface and are usually visible only through a telescope