What does sun mean?
The word “sun” most commonly refers to the star at the centre of our Solar System, the source of daylight and heat for Earth. It can also mean the sunlight itself, as in phrases such as “in the sun,” and appears in poetic language for a brilliant or golden star. In ordinary speech, the word is almost always definite when referring to the Earth's star: one says “the sun” rather than simply “sun.” The expression “under the sun” means “anywhere” or “in any situation,” while “everything under the sun” emphasizes the great variety of possible things. As a verb, “sun” means to expose something to sunlight, commonly to dry, warm, or tan it. Although the modern scientific term for Earth’s star is “the Sun” with a capital letter, the lower-case form is also widely used in general writing.
The star around which Earth orbits, providing natural light and heat.
"The sun set behind the western hills."
Usually takes the definite article when referring to Earth's star; the capitalization “Sun” is common in astronomical contexts.
To expose something to sunlight so as to dry, warm, or tan it.
"They sunned the herbs on the windowsill."
This use is less common than the noun and is typically transitive.
The plural is used especially for separate stars resembling the Sun and, figuratively, for brilliant people or performers.
"The solar system contains many suns, although the Sun is by far the closest."
The Sun contains about 99.8% of the Solar System's mass, yet it accounts for only a tiny fraction of the total mass of the galaxy.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sun come from?
The English word descends from Old English “sunne,” a Germanic word inherited from Proto-Germanic *sunnaną. It is a cognate of Latin “sol,” the source of words such as “solar” and “solar system.” The name “Sunday” is also related through the Germanic tradition of naming days after celestial bodies, while “sunny” and related forms developed from the same English root.
Related word forms
How sun is actually used
In the noun sense, “sun” is usually used with “the” when referring to the Earth's star. In the verb sense, it is relatively uncommon and most often describes drying, warming, or tanning.
Easily confused with sun
A son is a male child or descendant, whereas a sun is the star that provides light and heat.