dawning

American  

[daw-ning] / ˈdɔ nɪŋ /

noun

1. daybreak; dawn.

2. beginning; start.

   the dawning of the space age.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• undawning
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of dawning

Middle English; see dawn, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Graham Burnett, a history professor at Princeton University, sees "the dawning of an authentic movement," similar to the birth of the environmental movement in the 1960s, which led to landmark environmental protections.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

This might be a dawning moment, when the golfing world realises that someone capable of winning a record-equalling 82 PGA Tour titles might not be the best qualified to shape its future.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Although their popularity waxes and wanes like everything else, stories inspired by biblical texts have had a consistent presence on TV and film since the industry’s dawning.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2026

Now, there’s a dawning realization that these tools can do far more.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

“But,” said the Prime Minister, with a sense of dawning horror, “didn’t you tell me they’re the creatures that drain hope and happiness out of people?”

From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling