What does sunblind mean?
A sunblind is a blind, screen, or shade that prevents sunlight from entering a room or brightening a display. It may consist of fabric, vinyl, or another material fitted within a window frame, rolled down when needed, or arranged as a rigid projecting shade. In British English, the term can also denote an awning above a shop window or doorway, especially one carrying the name or branding of a business. Sunblinds are practical rather than merely decorative: they reduce glare, help control indoor temperature, and preserve privacy. Their appearance varies widely, from simple roller shades to pleated fabric screens and traditional wooden slatted blinds. Although other forms of blind can perform the same function, the compound term is especially associated with British English and with objects whose explicit purpose is to exclude or soften strong sunlight.
nounA window covering or projecting shade designed to keep out bright sunlight. In British usage, the term may also refer to an awning above a shop or building.
- A blind made to exclude sunlight from a room, especially one fitted at or projecting from a window.
- A fabric or canvas awning extending from the exterior of a building, especially above a shop or display window.
"She lowered the sunblind before the afternoon glare reached her desk."
"Black sunblinds were fitted throughout the bright, north-facing offices."
"The café's name appeared in gold letters on its green sunblind."
The usual plural when referring to multiple window coverings, screens, or awnings.
"The installers fitted sunblinds to every window in the office."
A sunblind does not let in the light—it stands between the window and the sun.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of sunblind
The word is a compound of the English noun sun and the older noun blind, meaning a screen or covering that obstructs light. Both elements are native to English, with sun inherited through Germanic languages and blind recorded in Middle English in the sense of darkness or a means of obscuring vision. The compound developed as a specialized name for a light-excluding window covering and, in British English, for a projecting shop awning.
Related word forms
How sunblind is actually used
The word is especially common in British, Australian, and New Zealand English. In British English it is often used more broadly for any exterior blind or awning intended to provide shade.
Easily confused with sunblind
A sunblind is attached to or fitted over a window, whereas a sunshade is generally a portable or adjustable device used to protect people or an object from the sun.
An awning projects outward from a building, while a sunblind more commonly covers a window or opening.