twilight

[twahy-lahyt]

noun

1. the soft, diffused light lights from the sky when the sun is below the horizon, either from daybreak to sunrise or, more commonly, from sunset to nightfall.

2. the period in the morning or, more commonly, in the evening during which this light lights prevails.

3. a terminal period, especially after full development, success, etc..

   the twilight of his life.

4. a state of uncertainty, vagueness, or gloom.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling twilight; dim; obscure.

   in the twilight hours.

2. appearing or flying at twilight; crepuscular.

twilight

/ ˈtwaɪˌlaɪt, ˈtwaɪˌlɪt /

noun

1. the soft diffused light occurring when the sun is just below the horizon, esp following sunset

2. the period in which this light occurs

3. the period of time during which the sun is a specified angular distance below the horizon (6°, 12°, and 18° for civil twilight , nautical twilight , and astronomical twilight , respectively)

4. any faint light

5. a period in which strength, importance, etc, are waning

   the twilight of his life

6. (modifier)

   1. of or relating to the period towards the end of the day

      the twilight shift

   2. of or relating to the final phase of a particular era

      the twilight days of the Bush presidency

   3. denoting irregularity and obscurity

      a twilight existence

Other Word Forms

• twilighty adjective
• twilit adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of twilight¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English; twi- + light ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of twilight¹

C15: literally: half-light (between day and night), from Old English twi- half + _light ¹

Example Sentences

Even in the twilight of his career, he wound up turning in one of his most impactful performances.

From Los Angeles Times

It inspired fierce loyalty among its pilots, yet also acquired the grim nickname "flying coffin" after a series of deadly crashes in its twilight years.

From BBC

The beautiful precision of tailoring is a centuries old skill that seems to be in the twilight of its popularity as a trade.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet the 29-year-old appears to be a relative late bloomer rather than someone entering the twilight of his career.

From BBC

Beginning at twilight and extending into the evening, “The Cortège” starts with an overture, a six-piece band performing in the center of the field.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dusk 
• sunset