sunbathe

verb

sun·​bathe ˈsən-ˌbāt͟h How to pronounce sunbathe (audio)
sunbathed; sunbathing; sunbathes

intransitive verb

: to take a sunbath
sunbather
ˈsən-ˌbā-t͟hər How to pronounce sunbathe (audio)
noun

Examples of sunbathe in a Sentence

People were sunbathing on the beach.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
There’s plenty of room to spread out and sunbathe, go fishing or take a swim. — R. Scott Rappold, Denver Post, 1 June 2026 The pools are shallow, great for both sunbathing and entertaining young kids. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026 When the researchers play a call from a mouse in the same nest, however, the striped mouse carries on sunbathing, unperturbed. — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 3 June 2026 Maggie spends her summer days sunbathing at Lake Sunapee and walking around through the town and woods of Newport. — Literary Hub, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sunbathe

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from sunbather

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sunbathe was in 1917

Rhymes for sunbathe

See All Rhymes for sunbathe

Browse Nearby Words

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sunbathe
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See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sunbathe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sunbathe. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sunbathe

verb
sun·​bathe -ˌbāt͟h How to pronounce sunbathe (audio)
: to expose oneself to sunlight or a sunlamp especially to get a tan
sunbather
-ˌbā-t͟hər How to pronounce sunbathe (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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