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

The space weather center monitors the structure and size of sunspot groups, as well as the associated magnetic mass, Dahl said. —Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026

The model successfully reproduced multiple cycles seen during the satellite era, including the gradual shift of sunspots from higher latitudes toward the solar equator—a key indicator of how a cycle develops. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Feb. 2026

Also known as sunspots, solar lentigines, or liver spots, age spots are additional specks and bits of pigment caused by excessive sun exposure. —Essence, 27 Jan. 2026

Intense magnetic activity caused by sunspots are expected to last through 2026, according to NOAA. —ABC News, 19 Jan. 2026

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