WordGarden.iostarburst
Pronunciation
UK
US
Meanings
Noun
a radial burst or decorative pattern that spreads outward like a star
a brief intense episode of star formation in a galaxy
Proper-noun
the Starburst brand of chewy fruit-flavored candy
Beyond the definition
Picture a firework opening in the night sky, with bright lines shooting out from the middle. That is the basic idea of a starburst. The word usually describes a shape, light effect, or design that spreads out in pointed rays from a central point. You might hear it in photography, where a bright light can make a "starburst effect," or in art, jewelry, and design for anything with that same shining pattern.
It can also describe things like flowers or decorations that have a star-like form. In another common use, Starburst is the brand name of the chewy fruit candy. The general feeling of the word is bright, lively, and full of outward energy.
A starburst is usually a bright shape or visual effect that spreads outward from a center in straight or pointed rays, like a small star or a firework frozen in time. The word is most often used for things people can see: a burst of light, a decorative pattern, a firework shape, or a design that looks as if it is shining outward.
In photography, a "starburst effect" appears when a strong light source, such as the sun or a streetlamp, seems to throw out sharp lines of light. In art, fashion, jewelry, and home design, a starburst pattern is a common name for a shape with lines or points spreading from the middle. The word can also be used for flowers or similar natural forms that have this same look.
You may also see Starburst with a capital letter as the name of the chewy fruit candy. That is a brand name, but it comes from the same image of something bright, lively, and bursting outward.
So in most everyday use, starburst is about appearance: light, shape, or design that radiates from a center. It suggests sparkle, energy, and a strong visual impact.
Examples
- 1
Night sky
A bright starburst filled the sky above the stadium.
- 2
Advertising
The ad had a yellow starburst around the words "50% off."
- 3
Photography
In the photo, the sun creates a soft starburst through the leaves.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- starburst