What does sunburnt mean?
“Sunburnt” is an adjective describing skin that has been reddened, irritated, or made painful by excessive exposure to the sun. It is also used, somewhat more figuratively, for land, vegetation, or surfaces that appear scorched or intensely affected by sunlight. In British English, “sunburnt” is especially common, although American speakers frequently use the alternative spelling “sunburned.” The word commonly appears in expressions such as “sunburnt face,” “sunburnt skin,” and “badly sunburnt.” It is related to “sunburn,” from which it is formed by adding the ending of the past participle “burnt.” Although the expression can sound like a merely temporary condition, sunburn reflects potentially serious ultraviolet exposure and the skin damage associated with it. The word is therefore useful both for describing the visible result of sun exposure and for suggesting the risks of spending too much time in strong sunlight.
Having skin that is reddened, irritated, or painful after exposure to the sun; also, describing something scorched or intensely affected by sunlight.
"The children came back from the beach with sunburnt shoulders."
The adjective is the dominant use. It is especially frequent in British English; “sunburned” is more common in American English.
To expose oneself to the sun and become sunburned.
"The long, unprotected walk sunburnt her face and arms."
This finite-verb use is less common than using “sunburn” as a verb. The form is more often encountered as a participial adjective.
A sunburn may look temporary, but the UV damage behind that redness can linger long after the glow fades.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sunburnt come from?
“Sunburnt” is an English compound formed from “sun” and the past participle “burnt,” literally meaning “burned by the sun.” “Sun” descends from Old English “sunne,” while “burn” has Old English roots and is related to words such as “burnt,” “burn,” and “burning.” The compound belongs to a family of English words connected with sunlight, including “sunny,” “sunshine,” and “sunlight,” while “solar” is a Latin-derived cognate associated with the sun.
Related word forms
How sunburnt is actually used
“Sunburnt” is common in British English and is also understood in American English, where “sunburned” is more frequent. As a finite verb, “sunburnt” is relatively uncommon; people more often say “sunburn” or use the adjective to describe the result. The word usually carries a slightly informal tone and can imply that the sun exposure was excessive.
Easily confused with sunburnt
“Sunburnt” and “sunburned” have the same meaning, but “sunburnt” is especially common in British English whereas “sunburned” is more common in American English.
A sunburnt person has skin damaged or reddened by excessive sun exposure, while a tanned person has skin browned, often as a result of gradual or deliberate exposure.