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

This provides scientists with a richer and more consistent archive of solar observations for their research, particularly for long-term analyses of historic sunspots, rare events and studies that require combining data from multiple instruments, the study authors say. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 17 Apr. 2025

Unusually, these solar flares didn't come from sunspots — dark patches on the sun's surface indicating intense magnetic activity— but magnetic filaments detaching from the sun. —Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025

Magnetic field lines often connect neighboring sunspots, which are the source of solar eruptions. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 25 Nov. 2024

However, the frequency of sunspots, solar flares and coronal mass ejections is not constant. —Ryan French, Space.com, 27 Mar. 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