ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sunglasses

n.
US //ˈsənˌɡɫæsɪz// UK //sˈʌŋɡlɑːsɪz// sun·glass·es
  1. 1 protective eyewear (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    dark glasses that protect your eyes from the sun.

    tinted eyewear worn to protect the eyes from bright sunlight or glare. Plural-only noun; takes a plural verb.

    Example

    It was so bright outside that I had to put on my sunglasses.

    Example

    She reached into her handbag for her sunglasses as the car turned directly into the glare of the setting sun.
    Pitfall
    I lost my sunglass at the beach.
    I lost my sunglasses at the beach.

    The word is always plural. Use 'a pair of sunglasses' if you want to count them.

  2. 2 fashion accessory (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    glasses worn to look cool or stylish.

    eyewear worn primarily for aesthetic or stylistic purposes rather than functional light filtration.

    Example

    He wears expensive sunglasses even when it is cloudy just to look cool.

    Example

    The celebrity walked through the terminal wearing oversized sunglasses to avoid being recognised by the waiting photographers.
Etymology 1

From sun + glasses.

Etymology 2

From sunglass + -es.

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