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

Butler, 70, and Chapin, 82, golf at the 18-hole course, ride bikes on winding trails and enjoy sunsets on their lanai.

From The Wall Street Journal

It is why Barton always expected Batty to "sail into the sunset" in retirement.

From BBC

A swaggering drifter named Hal Carter arrives in town looking for work, and by sunset he has thrown the community, especially the fragile Madge Owens, into emotional turmoil.

From The Wall Street Journal

More than a year has passed since “Yellowstone” rode off into the sunset.

From Los Angeles Times

Through Elmer, we considered the white of snowmen and the purple of scarves; the pink of strawberry ice lollies and the red of sunsets.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• dusk
• nightfall
• sundown
• twilight