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

radiance
Brightness or light emitted from an object.
sunlight
The natural light of the sun.
ray
A narrow beam of light.

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.