noun

starburst

Starburst (noun) means a sudden burst or explosion, or a star-shaped pattern of light suggesting one. Example: “Fireworks lit the sky with bright starbursts of colour.”

noun

A sudden burst or explosion, or a star-shaped pattern of light suggesting one.

"Fireworks lit the sky with bright starbursts of colour."

In astronomy, a region or period of unusually intense star formation.

"Astronomers spotted a starburst galaxy producing new stars at an incredible rate."

How to use starburst

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA burst of light or activity that radiates outward like a star, used both for visual effects and for regions of space making lots of new stars.

Common pairings

starburst pattern starburst galaxy starburst effect

Word forms

starbursted past tense, starbursts plural, starbursts singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Fireworks lit the sky with bright _____ of colour.

Etymology

A straightforward compound of "star" + "burst," describing something that bursts outward in a star-like pattern.

Frequently asked questions

What does “starburst” mean?

The word “starburst” means a sudden burst or explosion, or a star-shaped pattern of light suggesting one. In plain terms, a burst of light or activity that radiates outward like a star, used both for visual effects and for regions of space making lots of new stars.

How do you use “starburst” in a sentence?

Here is “starburst” used in a sentence: “Fireworks lit the sky with bright starbursts of colour.”

What part of speech is “starburst”?

“Starburst” is a noun.

How many meanings does “starburst” have?

“Starburst” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sudden burst or explosion, or a star-shaped pattern of light suggesting one.