First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1shine
verb \ˈshīn\
: to give off light
: to have a smooth surface that reflects light
: to be very good or successful at an activity
shone \ˈshōn, especially Canada & British ˈshän\ or shinedshin·ing
Full Definition of SHINE
intransitive verb
1
: to emit rays of light
2
: to be bright by reflection of light
3
a : to be eminent, conspicuous, or distinguished <shines in mathematics> b : to perform extremely well <when will stocks really shine again? — Temma Ehrenfeld>
4
: to have a bright glowing appearance <his face shone with enthusiasm>
5
: to be conspicuously evident or clear
transitive verb
1
a : to cause to emit light b : to throw or direct the light of
2
past & past part shined : to make bright by polishing <shined his shoes>
See shine defined for English-language learners
See shine defined for kids
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Origin of SHINE
Middle English, from Old English scīnan; akin to Old High German skīnan to shine and perhaps to Greek skia shadow
2shine
noun
: the brightness that results when light is reflected from a surface
: the act of polishing a pair of shoes
Full Definition of SHINE
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
See shine defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SHINE
15th century
SHINE Defined for Kids
1shine
verb \ˈshīn\
shone \ˈshōn\ or shinedshin·ing
Definition of SHINE for Kids
1
: to give off light <The sun is shining.>
2
: to be glossy : gleam <He polished the silver until it shone.>
3
: to direct the light of <Shine the flashlight in that corner.>
4
: to be outstanding <She shines in sports.>
5
: to make bright by polishing <shine shoes>
2shine
noun
Definition of SHINE for Kids
1
: brightness from light given off or reflected <the shine of polished silver>
2
: fair weather : sunshine <rain or shine>
3
: 2polish 1 <My shoes need a shine.>
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