If reporting rain or sunny spells, for example (7)
I believe the answer is:
whether
'if' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'reporting rain or sunny spells for example' is the wordplay.
'reporting' shows a homophone (sound like) (as it might sound when reported or spoken).
'rain or sunny spells for example' becomes 'weather' (rain and sun are types of weather).
'weather' is a homophone of 'WHETHER'.
(Other definitions for whether that I've seen before include "If in fact" , "Choice between alternatives" , "Conjunction indicating choice" , "- - 'tis nobler in the mind... Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'" , "Whichever is the case" .)