sunbake: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowinformal
Quick answer
What does “sunbake” mean?
To lie or sit in the sun, typically to get a tan or for warmth.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To lie or sit in the sun, typically to get a tan or for warmth.
To dry or expose something to the sun, though this usage is less common and often informal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More prevalent in Australian English; in British and American English, 'sunbathe' is the standard term.
Connotations
In Australian contexts, it is neutral; elsewhere, it may sound colloquial or regional.
Frequency
High frequency in Australian English, low in British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “sunbake” in a Sentence
intransitive: sunbake + prepositional phrase (e.g., on the sand)reflexive: sunbake oneself (rare)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sunbake” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They often sunbake on the coast during their holidays.
American English
- She likes to sunbake by the lake on weekends.
adjective
British English
- The sunbaked ground was too hot to walk on.
American English
- We avoided the sunbaked pavement in the afternoon.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable; rarely used in business contexts.
Academic
Seldom used; may appear in informal studies on leisure or health.
Everyday
Common in casual conversation, especially in Australia and New Zealand.
Technical
Not used in technical fields; possible in dermatology or tourism descriptions.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sunbake”
- Using it transitively without a reflexive pronoun (e.g., 'I sunbake my skin' – correct: 'I sunbake' or 'I sunbathe').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal and more commonly used in Australian English.
Yes, but it is less common; 'sunbathe' is preferred in American and British English.
It is primarily a verb, though 'sunbaked' can be used as an adjective.
Yes, excessive sunbaking without protection can increase the risk of skin cancer and sunburn.
To lie or sit in the sun, typically to get a tan or for warmth.
Sunbake: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌn.beɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌn.beɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'sun' + 'bake' – like baking yourself in the sun to get a tan.
Conceptual Metaphor
The sun as an oven; the body as something being warmed or cooked.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common usage of 'sunbake'?