sunbreak: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowLiterary, poetic, descriptive, regional (especially Pacific Northwest US)
Quick answer
What does “sunbreak” mean?
A brief period of sunlight appearing between clouds, especially during a long period of overcast or rainy weather.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A brief period of sunlight appearing between clouds, especially during a long period of overcast or rainy weather.
A literal or metaphorical break in clouds or gloom allowing light and hope to emerge.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word itself is more common in American English, particularly in the Pacific Northwest region, where it describes a specific weather pattern. It is rarer in British English.
Connotations
In American regional use, it carries a specific meteorological meaning. In British English, if used, it sounds more poetic or descriptive.
Frequency
Uncommon in British English. Low frequency but regionally known in parts of the US.
Grammar
How to Use “sunbreak” in a Sentence
a sunbreak {appeared/emerged/occurred}we saw/had a sunbreakthe sunbreak {lasted/vanished/was brief}Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically: "The new contract was a sunbreak for the struggling department."
Academic
Rare, except in descriptive geography or meteorology contexts.
Everyday
Used conversationally in regions with specific weather patterns to describe actual weather.
Technical
Used in meteorology (especially regional) and descriptive writing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sunbreak”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sunbreak”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sunbreak”
- Using it to mean 'sunrise' or 'daybreak'.
- Using it as a verb ('the sky sunbreaks').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is relatively uncommon in general English. It is more frequently used as a specific regional term in areas like the Pacific Northwest of the United States.
No, 'sunbreak' is not standardly used as a verb. It is a noun. Use phrases like 'the sun broke through' for the action.
They are largely synonymous. 'Sunbreak' is more poetic/regional, while 'sunny interval' is a more standard British meteorological term.
Yes, it is a closed compound noun formed from 'sun' and 'break'.
A brief period of sunlight appearing between clouds, especially during a long period of overcast or rainy weather.
Sunbreak is usually literary, poetic, descriptive, regional (especially pacific northwest us) in register.
Sunbreak: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌnbreɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌnbreɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a sunbreak in a stormy sky (metaphorical for hope)”
- “not a sunbreak in sight”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SUN + BREAK. The sun takes a break from hiding behind the clouds and finally 'breaks' through.
Conceptual Metaphor
HOPE OR RELIEF IS A SUNBREAK (e.g., 'Her kind words were a sunbreak in my gloomy day').
Practice
Quiz
What is the core meaning of 'sunbreak'?