# sunglasses

/ˈsənˌɡɫæsɪz/ (US) · /sˈʌŋɡlɑːsɪz/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. protective eyewear

noun · CEFR A1

dark glasses that protect your eyes from the sun.

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

- It was so bright outside that I had to put on my sunglasses.
- She reached into her handbag for her sunglasses as the car turned directly into the glare of the setting sun.

### 2. fashion accessory

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

glasses worn to look cool or stylish.

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

- He wears expensive sunglasses even when it is cloudy just to look cool.
- The celebrity walked through the terminal wearing oversized sunglasses to avoid being recognised by the waiting photographers.

## Examples

- I always wear sunglasses when I drive on sunny days.
- She forgot her sunglasses at home and had to squint against the glare of the ocean all afternoon.
- While primarily functional for UV protection, sunglasses have evolved into a significant fashion accessory that can signal personal style or provide a sense of privacy in public spaces.

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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.