Sunbeam

/ˈsʌnˌbiːm/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A ray of sunlight.
The sunbeam streamed through the window, illuminating the dust in the air.
A beam of light that appears to emanate from the sun.
Children laughed and played in the sunshine, dancing in the sunbeams that fell on the grass.
A metaphorical term used to describe something that brings joy or hope.
She was a sunbeam in my life, brightening even the darkest of days.

Etymology

From Middle English 'sune', 'beame' meaning ray.

Common Phrases and Expressions

sunbeam of happiness:
A person or thing that brings joy.
catching a sunbeam:
Enjoying a moment of happiness or light.
chasing sunbeams:
Pursuing fleeting moments of joy or happiness.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

A term of endearment.
Hey there, sunbeam! How's your day going?
Someone who is overly cheerful.
She walks into the room and brightens it up like a little sunbeam.