sunshine

1 of 2

noun

sun·​shine ˈsən-ˌshīn 

1

a

: the sun's light or direct rays

b

: the warmth and light given by the sun's rays

c

: a spot or surface on which the sun's light shines

2

: someone or something (such as a person, condition, or influence) that radiates warmth, cheer, or happiness

3

: sunshine bass

sunshiny

ˈsən-ˌshī-nē 

adjective

sunshine

2 of 2

adjective

: forbidding or restricting closed meetings of legislative or executive bodies and sometimes providing for public access to records

sunshine laws

Synonyms

Noun

• sun
• sunlight

Examples of sunshine in a Sentence

Noun

Today's forecast calls for sunshine.

Let's go out and enjoy the sunshine!

She was the kind of person who brought sunshine into people's lives.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Whether savoring a morning cup of coffee or a new book in the sunshine, having a comfortable place to sit is essential for outdoor living. —Jacqueline Tempera, People.com, 24 June 2025

Looking to spend a little more time in the sunshine? —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2025

Adjective

Runoff from Wednesday in low-lying parts of the Mission, Noe Valley and pockets of the west side will linger through Thursday afternoon, gradually dropping off as skies clear and sunshine returns. —Gerry Díaz, San Francisco Chronicle, 5 Jan. 2023

Is sunshine protective against melanoma of the vulva? —Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 15 May 2012

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1972, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sunshine

• ray of sunshine
• sunshine bass

Rhymes for sunshine

• affine
• airline
• align
• aline
• assign
• baseline
• beamline
• benign
• bloodline
• bovine
• byline
• canine

Kids Definition

sunshine

noun

sun·​shine

-ˌshīn

1

a

: the sun's light or direct rays

b

: the warmth and light given by the sun's rays

2

: one (as a person or a condition) that spreads warmth, cheer, or happiness

sunshiny

-ˌshī-nē

adjective

Legal Definition

sunshine

adjective

sun·​shine

: forbidding or restricting closed meetings of legislative or executive bodies and sometimes providing for public access to government records

sunshine laws

see also Freedom of Information Act