sunshine

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   The light and warmth that comes directly from the sun.

   Grammar: Uncountable, so no plural and no 'a' before it: 'We need more sunshine,' not 'a sunshine.'

   Patterns

   • in the sunshine
   • bright sunshine
   • a ray of sunshine

   The children played outside in the sunshine.

   After weeks of rain, we finally had some sunshine.

   The room was full of bright sunshine.

2. 2nounsingularinformal

   A friendly way to address someone, especially a cheerful person.

   Grammar: Used as a form of address, often with 'my': 'Hello, sunshine!' Can sound affectionate or, depending on tone, slightly sarcastic.

   Patterns

   • hello, sunshine
   • my sunshine

   Good morning, sunshine! Did you sleep well?

   Come on, sunshine, we're going to be late.

3. 3noununcountablefigurative

   A source of happiness or comfort.

   Grammar: Used figuratively, often in the phrase 'a ray of sunshine' to mean someone or something that brings joy.

   Patterns

   • a ray of sunshine
   • bring sunshine into something

   Her visit was a ray of sunshine in a difficult week.

   The new baby brought sunshine into their lives.

Common combinations

bright sunshine

The bright sunshine made us squint.

in the sunshine

We had lunch in the sunshine.

a ray of sunshine

His cheerful note was a ray of sunshine.

sunshine and showers

The forecast is for sunshine and showers.

Synonyms and how they differ

sunlight

Sunlight is the light itself, while sunshine often suggests warmth and pleasant weather as well.

sun

Sun is the star or its heat; sunshine is the effect we feel and see.

Opposites

Word family

sunny adjective

Full of sunshine; bright and warm.

sun noun

The star that gives light and heat.

sunshiny adjective

Rare; sunny or cheerful.

Commonly confused: sunshine or sunlight?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “sunshine”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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