Sunbeam: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a single, distinct shaft of sunlight, often observed entering through a small opening or window.

• She watched the sunbeam dance across the floor.
• A sunbeam broke through the clouds, illuminating the field.

Usually denotes a single ray of sunlight, often used in more poetic or descriptive contexts.

• She felt a warm sunray on her face.
• The sunray pierced through the leaves, creating patterns on the ground.

Refers to a more general and broader description of sunlight streaming through an opening. It can be used in both poetic and everyday language.

• The beam of sunlight lit up the room.
• They sat in silence, watching the dust particles swirl in the beam of sunlight.

Commonly used in a poetic or artistic context to describe a single bright ray of sunlight visibly streaming through an opening or between objects.

• A sunbeam pierced through the forest canopy, lighting up the woodland floor.
• She woke up to a sunbeam gently touching her face.

Usually employed in educational or descriptive contexts to refer to the individual streams of light from the sun. Also used in contexts relating to sun exposure.

• The flower turned its head towards the sunrays.
• Sunrays can be harmful to your skin if exposed for too long.

Used in a more descriptive or scientific context, often to explain the physical phenomenon of light coming from the sun.

• The beam of sunlight broke through the clouds after the storm.
• You can see the tiny particles floating in the beam of sunlight entering the room.