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

That could indicate that the sun is now past just the solar maximum phase (though sunspot numbers can fluctuate). —Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

The study builds on previous research by the authors on a possible link between solar activity, particularly sunspot numbers, and Earth’s seismic activity. —David Bressan, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025

The study builds on previous research—published back in 2022—that found an association between sunspot numbers and seismic activity here on Earth. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025

At the solar maximum, the number of sunspots – cooler patches that are caused by intense concentrations of magnetic field lines – increases. —Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 26 May 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