sunset

American  

[suhn-set] / ˈsʌnˌsɛt /

noun

sunsets plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• sunsets
  plural

Etymology

Origin of sunset

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

Example Sentences

The Laemmle NoHo 7 on Lankershim is my little ’90s throwback Sunset 5, but in the Valley.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2026

Billy Wilder’s Sunset Boulevard, the tale of silent film star Norma Desmond’s descent into murderous derangement as her Hollywood comeback stays out of frame, is the other.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

“Set high above the Sunset Strip with sweeping panoramic views, this iconic estate presents a rare opportunity to reimagine and build something truly remarkable in one of Los Angeles’ most coveted enclaves.”

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

The waterfront estate in Sunset Islands joins a wave of nine-figure home listings in the area.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

He said the Sunset Hotel down the street might be a little better.

From "Black Like Me" by John Howard Griffin

Related Words

• dusk
• nightfall
• sundown
• twilight