shine

1 of 2

verb

shone ˈshōn How to pronounce shine (audio)
especially Canadian and British
ˈshän How to pronounce shine (audio)
or shined; shining

intransitive verb

1
: to emit rays of light
2
: to be bright by reflection of light
3
a
: to be eminent, conspicuous, or distinguished
shines in math
b
: to perform extremely well
when will stocks really shine again?Temma Ehrenfeld
4
: to have a bright glowing appearance
his face shone with enthusiasm
5
: to be conspicuously evident or clear

transitive verb

1
a
: to cause to emit light
b
: to throw or direct the light of
2
past tense and past participle shined : to make bright by polishing
shined his shoes

shine

2 of 2

noun

1
: brightness caused by the emission of light
2
: brightness caused by the reflection of light : luster
the shine of polished silver
3
: brilliance, splendor
still has a shine about her
4
: fair weather : sunshine
rain or shine
5
: trick, caper
usually used in plural
6
: liking, fancy
took a shine to him
7
a
: a polish or gloss given to shoes
b
: a single polishing of a pair of shoes

Example Sentences

Verb The sun was shining through the clouds. lamps shining from the windows She found a sport where she can really shine. Noun the shine of polished silver He had a nice shine on his shoes. Would you like a shine? See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Backlit mirrors are often preferred because the light doesn't shine directly in your eyes. Emily Belfiore, Peoplemag, 22 Mar. 2023 What also makes this recipe shine is its adaptability. Jerrelle Guy, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2023 Rear-wheel drive mowers shine on hills and inclines, and when the grass bag is full. Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 21 Mar. 2023 Kate Middleton is continuing her mission to shine a spotlight on the importance of the early childhood years. Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 21 Mar. 2023 Our round-up of DIY cleaning hacks makes your stainless steel appliances shimmer and shine in no time and for a fraction of the price. Angela Belt, House Beautiful, 20 Mar. 2023 These lures shine for surface and mid-level active bass. Gerald Almy, Field & Stream, 20 Mar. 2023 Indianapolis Star Mighty close, mighty fine, Scottsburg wore a victory shine after clipping North Daviess 47-45 for an Indiana boys basketball victory on March 18. Indy Star Sports, The Indianapolis Star, 19 Mar. 2023 This year the March equinox is Monday at 5:24 p.m. EDT, which is the precise moment the sun's rays shine directly on the equator. Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2023
Noun
With just a few drops, the oil is known to improve shine, vibrancy, and softness. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2023 The Legacy Arena now has a shine, polish and amenities that the old arena, once called the Coliseum, never had. Greg Garrison | , al, 14 Mar. 2023 And once more, evening creations allured with shine, sequins, and tulle, often with tiered features. Roxanne Robinson, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2023 Still, Unilever stylist and celebrity hair artist, Lacy Redway, found a way to give the hair some shine—literally. Nerisha Penrose, ELLE, 1 Mar. 2023 Apply it to damp straight, wavy, or curly hair for frizz-free shine, and to help define texture. Lauren Fischer, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2023 Made specifically for your iced lattes and cold brews, the jeweled taffy cold cup comes in a lovely magenta color with an iridescent shine. Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Jan. 2023 Then, layer the gloss on top for a kiss-proof shine! Samantha Olson, Seventeen, 27 Jan. 2023 Albeit every woman is given her respective shine – Nia Long as the ambitious Jordan, Sanaa Lathan as a yearning Robin, and Regina Hall as the studious Candy – a deeper, more vulnerable Shelby kicks in the door at just episode two. Marjua Estevez, refinery29.com, 11 Jan. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'shine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English scīnan; akin to Old High German skīnan to shine and perhaps to Greek skia shadow

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shine was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near shine

Cite this Entry

“Shine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shine. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

shine

1 of 2 verb
shone ˈshōn How to pronounce shine (audio) or shined; shining
1
: to give light
the stars shone brightly
2
: to be glossy : gleam
polished the buttons until they shone like gold
3
: to be outstanding : show talent
on stage where I could really shine
4
: to cause to give light
shine a flashlight
5
: to make bright by polishing
shined my shoes

shine

2 of 2 noun
1
: brightness from light given off or reflected
2
: fair weather : sunshine
rain or shine
3
: liking, fancy
took a shine to them
4
: a polish given to shoes

More from Merriam-Webster on shine

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