sunset

[suhn-set]

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.

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sunset¹

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

Example Sentences

It also rises around sunset for several evenings in succession creating extra light for farmers working outside.

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Diners enjoying the sunset at a beach-side restaurant - and the piles of rubbish along the rickety stairs to get there.

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“The grounds are beautiful and the ocean views are incredible. My wife and I have been returning to this location for over six years. We love sharing our anniversary dinner at sunset from here.”

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“In sanctuary cities, dangerous illegals walk free as police are forced to stand down,” the August recruitment ad warned over a sunset panorama of the Los Angeles skyline.

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The proposal would “sunset” six commissions, including Sybil Brand, and “potentially merge” 40 others.

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Related Words

• dusk 
• nightfall 
• sundown 
• twilight