# shining

/ˈʃaɪnɪŋ/ (US) · /ʃˈaɪnɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shining
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. bright and glowing

adjective · CEFR A2

giving off or reflecting a lot of light.

For teachers: emitting or reflecting light; characterized by brightness or radiance.

- The shining sun made the water look like silver.
- The shining surface of the lake reflected the surrounding mountains with such clarity that the horizon line became almost indistinguishable.

### 2. excellent

adjective · CEFR B2

being a very good or perfect example of something.

For teachers: distinguished by high merit or excellence; serving as an exemplary model.

- She is a shining example of how hard work leads to success.
- The project stands as a shining achievement in urban planning, demonstrating how green spaces can be integrated into dense city environments.

### 3. a glow or gleam

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

a bright light that comes from something.

For teachers: the quality or state of emitting light; a steady glow or radiance.

- The shining of the moon guided them through the dark forest.
- The sudden shining of a distant beacon provided the only point of reference in the otherwise impenetrable coastal fog.

## Examples

- The sun is shining brightly today.
- She spent the whole morning polishing the silver until it was shining like new.
- The lighthouse stood as a shining beacon of hope for the sailors navigating the treacherous, fog-covered coastline during the storm.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.