1
: to emit rays of light
2
: to be bright by reflection of light
3
a
: to be eminent, conspicuous, or distinguished
shines in math
b
: to perform extremely well
when will stocks really shine again?—
Temma Ehrenfeld
Temma Ehrenfeld4
: to have a bright glowing appearance
his face shone with enthusiasm
5
: to be conspicuously evident or clear
1
a
: to cause to emit light
b
: to throw or direct the light of
2
past tense and past participle shined
: to make bright by polishing
shined his shoes
1
: brightness caused by the emission of light
2
: brightness caused by the reflection of light : luster
the shine of polished silver
3
: brilliance, splendor
still has a shine about her
4
: fair weather : sunshine
rain or shine
7
a
: a polish or gloss given to shoes
b
: a single polishing of a pair of shoes
Synonyms
Examples of shine in a Sentence
Verb
The sun was shining through the clouds.
lamps shining from the windows
She found a sport where she can really shine.
Noun
the shine of polished silver
He had a nice shine on his shoes.
Would you like a shine?
Recent Examples on the Web
Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2025
Real Madrid academy starlet Nico Paz has shone in a creative attacking midfield role, while all-action winger Assane Diao has crashed home two goals in his first five games for the club.
—Thom Harris, The Athletic, 6 Feb. 2025
Clare Holden, Glamour, 6 Feb. 2025
The brand recommends rinsing it out with cold water, which will give the hair a boost in shine.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for shine 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
This growing enthusiasm will soon take center stage with an upcoming auction that shines a significant spotlight on the storied Maison.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2025
Real Madrid academy starlet Nico Paz has shone in a creative attacking midfield role, while all-action winger Assane Diao has crashed home two goals in his first five games for the club.
—Thom Harris, The Athletic, 6 Feb. 2025
Noun
The best setting powders can help seal in your foundation, keep shine under control, and leave your skin with a soft-focus finish.
—Clare Holden, Glamour, 6 Feb. 2025
The brand recommends rinsing it out with cold water, which will give the hair a boost in shine.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for shine
Dictionary Entries Near shine
Cite this Entry
“Shine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shine. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
shine
1 of 2 verb
shone
ˈshōn 
or shined; shining
or shined; shining
1
: to give light
the stars shone brightly
2
: to be glossy : gleam
polished the buttons until they shone like gold
3
: to be outstanding : show talent
on stage where I could really shine
4
: to cause to give light
shine a flashlight
5
: to make bright by polishing
shined my shoes
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share