sunset

American  

[suhn-set] / ˈsʌnˌsɛt /

noun

1. the setting or descent of the sun below the horizon in the evening.

2. the atmospheric and scenic phenomena accompanying this.

3. the time when the sun sets.

4. the close or final stage of any period.

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adjective

1. (of an industry, technology, etc.) old; declining.

   sunset industries.

2. of, relating to, or characteristic of a sunset law.

   to add sunset restrictions to a bill.

sunset British  

/ ˈsʌnˌsɛt /

noun

1. the daily disappearance of the sun below the horizon

2. the atmospheric phenomena accompanying this disappearance

3. Also called: sundown.  the time at which the sun sets at a particular locality

4. the final stage or closing period, as of a person's life

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Etymology

Origin of sunset

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at sun, set

Example Sentences

Look to the west-northwest horizon just after sunset and you will have around an hour to catch a glimpse.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

Interestingly, the longest day of the year does not necessarily coincide with the earliest sunrise or latest sunset.

From Science Daily • Jun. 3, 2026

Around sunset, the yellow convertible pulled up to Lowboy Bar, an Echo Park staple.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2026

What to Do: Book a sunset sail aboard the Schooner Eleanor in Kennebunkport or spend an afternoon browsing Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shop in Portland.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

Most times, though, it just sets and then it's night and what you notice is the day and the night—not the sunset in between.

From "Miracle's Boys" by Jacqueline Woodson

Related Words

• dusk
• nightfall
• sundown
• twilight