sunshine

Etymology

In the Coverdale Bible in 1535, in Genesis and Exodus about 1250 as Middle English sunnesine; synchronically sun + shine.

noun

1. The direct rays, light or warmth of the sun.
   We were warmed by the bright sunshine.
   Sunshine, everybody loves the sunshine / Sunshine, folks get down in the sunshine / Sunshine, folks get brown in the sunshine 1976, “Everybody Loves the Sunshine”, performed by Roy Ayers Ubiquity
2. A location on which the sun's rays fall.
   We moved out of the shade and into the sunshine.
3. (figurative) Geniality or cheerfulness.
   I enjoyed the sunshine of her smile.
   Ain't no sunshine when she's gone / Only darkness every day 1971, Bill Withers (lyrics and music), “Ain't No Sunshine”
4. A source of cheerfulness or joy.
   You are the sunshine of my life / That's why I'll always be around / You are the apple of my eye / Forever you'll stay in my heart 1972, Stevie Wonder (lyrics and music), “You Are the Sunshine of My Life”, in Talking Book
5. The effect which the sun has when it lights and warms some place.
6. (UK) Friendly form of address often reserved for juniors.
   Alright sunshine, safe to cross now.
7. (UK) Ironic form of address used to an inferior or troublemaker.
   OK, sunshine, listen up and listen good. There's five vandalised telephone boxes out there and I know you're responsible.
8. (humorous) Used to address someone who has just woken up and/or is very sleepy.
   Good morning, sunshine!
9. (slang, uncountable, uncommon) Ellipsis of orange sunshine.

adj

1. (chiefly US) Open to and permitting public access, especially with regard to activities that were previously closed-door or back-room meetings.
   Because of the sunshine law, we could go to the planning meeting.