sunshine

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The direct rays, light or warmth of the sun.

   We were warmed by the bright sunshine.

2. 2
   noun

   A location on which the sun's rays fall.

   We moved out of the shade and into the sunshine.

3. 3
   noun

   Geniality or cheerfulness.

   I enjoyed the sunshine of her smile.

4. 4
   noun

   A source of cheerfulness or joy.

   You are the sunshine of my life / That's why I'll always be around / You are the apple of my eye / Forever you'll stay in my heart

5. 5
   noun

   Friendly form of address often reserved for juniors.

   Alright, sunshine, safe to cross now.

6. 6
   noun

   Ironic form of address used to an inferior or troublemaker.

   OK, sunshine, listen up and listen good. There's five vandalised telephone boxes out there and I know you're responsible.

7. 7
   noun

   Used to address someone who has just woken up and/or is very sleepy.

   Good morning, sunshine!

8. 8
   adj

   Open to and permitting public access, especially with regard to activities that were previously closed-door or back-room meetings.

   Because of the sunshine law, we could go to the planning meeting.

Etymology

In the Coverdale Bible in 1535, in Genesis and Exodus about 1250 as Middle English sunnesine; synchronically sun + shine. Compare isolated Old English sunsċīn (“mirror”).