sundog: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (specialist/scientific, regional in some weather contexts)Technical/Scientific, Poetic/Literary
Quick answer
What does “sundog” mean?
A bright spot or halo of light appearing in the sky at the same altitude as the sun, caused by the refraction of sunlight through ice crystals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A bright spot or halo of light appearing in the sky at the same altitude as the sun, caused by the refraction of sunlight through ice crystals.
In meteorology, an atmospheric optical phenomenon; also used colloquially to describe something that appears briefly or is an imitation of something greater (like the sun).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term identically in scientific contexts. The compound form 'sundog' is standard; the spaced form 'sun dog' is also common, especially in American usage.
Connotations
Neutral scientific term in both. In non-scientific use, may carry a slightly rustic or poetic connotation.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties. More likely encountered in regions with frequent cold, clear weather (e.g., Canada, Northern US, Scotland).
Grammar
How to Use “sundog” in a Sentence
[There is/are] + sundog(s) + [prepositional phrase: to the left/right of the sun][The/ A] sundog + [verb: appeared, formed, shone]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sundog” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- -
American English
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adverb
British English
- -
American English
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adjective
British English
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American English
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Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in meteorology, atmospheric science, and physics papers describing optical phenomena.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used by weather enthusiasts or in regions where they are commonly seen.
Technical
Standard term in meteorology and atmospheric physics.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sundog”
- Spelling as 'sun dog' (acceptable variant) or 'sun-dog' (less common). Confusing it with a 'sun pillar' (a different vertical light pillar).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Rainbows are caused by refraction and reflection in water droplets. Sundogs are caused by refraction through flat, hexagonal ice crystals and appear much closer to the sun.
They are most common and brightest when the sun is low on the horizon, at sunrise or sunset.
A sundog is a specific bright spot located approximately 22 degrees to the left or right of the sun. A halo is a ring that can circle the sun. Sundogs are often part of a larger halo complex.
In formal scientific writing, 'parhelion' is preferred. In everyday conversation or general writing, 'sundog' or 'mock sun' is perfectly acceptable and more widely understood.
A bright spot or halo of light appearing in the sky at the same altitude as the sun, caused by the refraction of sunlight through ice crystals.
Sundog is usually technical/scientific, poetic/literary in register.
Sundog: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌn.dɒɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌn.dɔːɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “-”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a loyal dog staying beside its master: the sundog stays faithfully beside the sun.
Conceptual Metaphor
A COMPANION IS A LESSER IMITATION (e.g., 'He was merely a sundog to the true genius of the leader').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary cause of a sundog?