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; sun, set

Example Sentences

A planetary parade, which occurs when several planets appear to align on one side of the Sun from Earth's perspective, will be visible in the UK again from sunset on Saturday.

From BBC

We’d go to the Huntington and stay a couple of hours until sunset.

From Los Angeles Times

“And my other favorite time is sunset in the upper bedroom or downstairs barbecuing something outdoors. The views really are spectacular.”

From MarketWatch

They should all be visible in the same part of the sky shortly after sunset, creating what is often called a planetary parade.

From BBC

“It’s not enough just to let them ride off into the sunset,” he said.

From Salon

Related Words

• dusk
• nightfall
• sundown
• twilight