# sunlight

/ˈsənˌɫaɪt/ (US) · /sˈʌnlaɪt/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. light from the sun

noun · CEFR A1

the natural light that comes from the sun.

For teachers: the visible light and other radiation received from the sun. Uncountable in general use; countable when referring to specific instances or qualities of light.

- The cat sat on the rug, enjoying the warm sunlight coming through the window.
- The architect designed the atrium to maximise the intake of natural sunlight, reducing the building's reliance on artificial lighting during the winter months.

Usage: Often used with 'in' or 'into' to describe being exposed to the sun.

### 2. hope or clarity

noun · CEFR B2

a feeling of hope, happiness, or clear understanding.

For teachers: a figurative state of brightness, hope, or public exposure that brings clarity to a situation.

- After months of bad news, the new job offer was a bit of sunlight in her life.
- The investigative report finally brought the truth into the sunlight, exposing years of corruption within the local government.

Usage: Commonly used in the phrase 'the sunlight of...' or 'to bring into the sunlight'.

### 3. to work a second day job

verb · CEFR C2 · Informal

to work at a second job during the day, usually in addition to a main job at night.

For teachers: to hold a secondary job during daylight hours, typically as a counterpart to 'moonlighting' (working a second job at night).

- He works as a security guard at night and sunlights as a gardener to make extra money.
- While many musicians moonlight as bartenders, he chose to sunlight as a substitute teacher to keep his evenings free for rehearsals.

Usage: Intransitive verb; often used as a humorous or clever contrast to the more common 'moonlight'.

## Examples

- The plants grow quickly in the bright sunlight.
- We moved the desk closer to the window to take advantage of the natural sunlight during the afternoon.
- Architects often incorporate large glass panels to maximise the penetration of sunlight into the building, reducing the need for artificial lighting and improving the occupants' mood.

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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.