Etymology In the Coverdale Bible in 1535, in Genesis and Exodus about 1250 as Middle English sunnesine; synchronically sun + shine. Compare isolated Old English sunsċīn (“mirror”).
Usually The direct rays, light or warmth of the sun.
We were warmed by the bright sunshine.
Oft tymes a thinge doth floꝛiſh, and men thynke that it maye abyde the Sonneſhyne: it ſhuteth foꝛth the bꝛaunches in his garden, it taketh many rotes, in ſo moch that it is like an houſe off ſtones.1535 October 14 (Gregorian calendar), Myles Coverdale, transl., Biblia: The Byble, […] (Coverdale Bible), [Cologne or Marburg]: [Eucharius Cervicornus and Johannes Soter?], →OCLC, Job viij:[16–17], folio iij, verso, column 1:
3 more examples
And all the ſhrubs, vvith ſparkling ſpangles, ſhevv / Like Morning-Sun-ſhine tinsilling the devv.1648, Robert Herrick, “The Apparition of His Mistresse Calling Him to Elizium”, in Hesperides: Or, The Works both Humane & Divine […], London: […] John Williams, and Francis Eglesfield, and are to be sold by Tho[mas] Hunt, […], →OCLC, page 240:
Sunshine, everybody loves the sunshine / Sunshine, folks get down in the sunshine / Sunshine, folks get brown in the sunshine1976, “Everybody Loves the Sunshine”, performed by Roy Ayers Ubiquity:
If there was no sunshine / Then life on Earth would not survive / Just like I would surely die / Without your love1977, Keith Barrow, “Precious”, in Keith Barrow:
2
Usually A location on which the sun's rays fall.
We moved out of the shade and into the sunshine.
Out again into the sunshine by the wide mouth of the Green River, as the chart named the brook whose level stream scarce moved into the lake. A streak of blue shot up it between the banks, and a shrill pipe came back as the kingfisher hastened away.1879, R[ichard] J[efferies], chapter II, in The Amateur Poacher, London: Smith, Elder, & Co., […], →OCLC:
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone / Only darkness every day1971, Bill Withers, “Ain't No Sunshine”:
4
Figuratively, Usually A source of cheerfulness or joy.
You are the sunshine of my life / That's why I'll always be around / You are the apple of my eye / Forever you'll stay in my heart1972, Stevie Wonder, “You Are the Sunshine of My Life”, in Talking Book:
5
Usually The effect which the sun has when it lights and warms some place.
6
Ireland, UK, Usually A friendly form of address often reserved for juniors.
Alright, sunshine, safe to cross now.
7
Ireland, UK, Usually An ironic form of address directed toward someone perceived as inferior or troublesome.
OK, sunshine, listen up and listen good. There's five vandalised telephone boxes out there and I know you're responsible.
8
Humorous, Usually Used to address someone who has just woken up or is very sleepy.
Good morning, sunshine!
9
Abbreviation, Ellipsis, Slang, Uncommon, Usually Ellipsis of orange sunshine.
Etymology In the Coverdale Bible in 1535, in Genesis and Exodus about 1250 as Middle English sunnesine; synchronically sun + shine. Compare isolated Old English sunsċīn (“mirror”).
1
US Open to and permitting public access, especially with regard to activities that were previously closed-door or back-room meetings.
Because of the sunshine law, we could go to the planning meeting.