shining

adjective

shin·​ing ˈshī-niŋ 

1

: emitting or reflecting light

2

: bright and often splendid in appearance : resplendent

3

: possessing a distinguished quality : illustrious

4

: full of sunshine

Synonyms of shining

• glowing
• luminous
• dazzling
• bright
• shiny
• gleaming
• radiant
• shimmering
• flashing
• flickering
• brilliant
• blazing
• sparkling

Examples of shining in a Sentence

Her latest movie is a shining example of what a film can be.

the shining moon formed a nice backdrop for our outdoor concert

Recent Examples on the Web

Those memories will remain some of the most shining and unforgettable moments of my life. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 10 Mar. 2026

For a brief shining moment, that looked like a good bet, as gas prices rose to nearly $10 per million BTUs in mid-2022. —Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026

The Boston Celtics, in second place in the East without Jayson Tatum this year and Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis traded away, are another shining example. —Joe Vardon, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026

Eloise's shining moment comes in Quinn's To Sir Phillip, With Love, and follows her love story with Sir Phillip Crane—yes, that Phillip, who married his late brother's true love Marina Thompson. —Christina Perrier, InStyle, 31 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing shining

• knight in shining armor

Rhymes for shining

• dining
• fining
• lining
• mining
• pining
• seining
• signing
• twining
• vining
• whining
• aligning
• assigning

Kids Definition

shining

adjective

shin·​ing

ˈshī-niŋ

1

: giving forth or reflecting a steady light : glowing

2

: outstanding sense 2

a shining example

shiningly adverb