1
: to give off light
The moon/stars shined brightly.
The sun was shining through the clouds.
lamps shining from the windows
2
: to have a smooth surface that reflects light
He polished the silver until it shone. [=gleamed]
3
not used in progressive tenses
: to be very good or successful at an activity
She found a sport where she can really shine.
4
: to have a bright, glowing appearance
Her face was shining with joy/excitement.
His eyes were shining.
5
: to point (something that produces light) in a particular direction
Please shine the flashlight over here.
6
past tense and past participle shined
: to make (something) bright and shiny by polishing
I shined my shoes.
He had his shoes shined.
1
: the brightness that results when light is reflected from a surface
the shine of polished silver
He had a nice shine on his shoes.
2
: the act of polishing a pair of shoes
Would you like a shine?
Cite this Entry
“Shine.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/shine. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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