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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Expensive; may chip easily This deep purple-red reflects light, softening the appearance of veins, sunspots and discoloration. Taryn Brooke, Glamour, 16 Feb. 2026 The massive sunspot region 4366 is currently so large that it can be seen without binoculars or telescopes. Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026 Want to be ready for the next giant sunspot event? Anthony Wood, Space.com, 4 Feb. 2026 The solar blast came from a fast-growing sunspot, Active Region 4366, which has evolved into one of the sun’s most intense flare producers in a matter of days. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026 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 20 Feb. 2026.

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

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