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

Fecundity and creativity of several sorts defined his sunset years.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

With a kind nod, he said, “Let’s sunset the initiative now. Go back to two separate governance structures.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

He would sit by the lake watching the sunset, and one stormy evening - while eating takeaway Pad Thai - decided it would make a "funny, sad" self-portrait.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

On Day 3 of Stagecoach, the Empire Polo Club in Indio was primed for one more big Western outing before the festival rode off into the sunset.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026

This was a rule the boy broke every evening just after sunset when he snuck back to spy on his new friend.

From "City Spies" by James Ponti

Related Words

• dusk
• nightfall
• sundown
• twilight