sunburst

noun

sun·​burst ˈsən-ˌbərst How to pronounce sunburst (audio)
Synonyms of sunburstnext
often attributive
1
: a flash of sunlight especially through a break in clouds
2
a
: a jeweled brooch representing a sun surrounded by rays
b
: a design in the form of rays diverging from a central point

Examples of sunburst in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Comprising diamonds with a combined weight of more than 200 carats, the missing necklace features a six-carat central stone surrounded by lines of baguette diamonds and hundreds of smaller gems arranged in a sunburst motif. — Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026 That attention to authenticity continues at the fireplace, where a traditional 1920s sunburst brick pattern remains intact under a new marble surround and quartzite slab hearth. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026 On hand Saturday will be Annie Jamerson, widow of the late, iconic Motown bassist James Jamerson, whose classic ’62 Precision Bass has been celebrated by Fender with a new replica version, complete with sunburst body and flat-wound strings. — Brian McCollum, Freep.com, 14 Aug. 2026 Above, rays of light radiate in high relief and sunburst guilloche is visible beneath the vivid hot enamel. — Nancy Olson, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sunburst

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sunburst was circa 1815

Rhymes for sunburst

See All Rhymes for sunburst

Browse Nearby Words

sun burner
sunburst
suncatcher
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sunburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sunburst. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

sunburst

noun
sun·​burst ˈsən-ˌbərst How to pronounce sunburst (audio)
1
: a flash of sunlight especially through a break in the clouds
2
a
: a jeweled pin representing a sun surrounded by rays
b
: a design in the form of rays extending from a central point

More from Merriam-Webster on sunburst

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for sunburst

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All