sunbeam

Everyday

1. A sunbeam is a ray or narrow beam of sunlight, especially one you can see shining through a gap, a window or clouds. tree →
2. (informal, UK) «Ray of sunshine» or «sunbeam» can be a fond name for a cheerful child. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons sunbeams show that light travels in straight lines; you can see the beam because dust or water droplets scatter the light. In stories sunbeams make scenes warm and hopeful. Phrases: «a sunbeam through the window», «dust dancing in a sunbeam».

Examples

• The cat lay asleep in a warm sunbeam. tree →
• Dust danced in the sunbeam from the window. tree →
• Sunbeams broke through the clouds after the storm. tree →
• A sunbeam shows that light travels in straight lines. tree →
• We could see sunbeams shining down through the forest trees. tree →
• «Morning, sunbeam!» said Nan when I came down to breakfast. tree →

Note

Countable: a sunbeam, sunbeams. One word. You see a beam only when tiny bits in the air, like dust or mist, scatter the light into your eyes. Never look straight at the sun.