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

With Tiger Woods again battling demons and Phil Mickelson’s game in sunset, Rory’s the biggest name brand left.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

By sunset, the "Islamabad Talks" had produced press releases, a memorable food spread and impressively fast internet in a country riven with tech challenges.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

The light softened toward sunset, an evening echo of the same violet sky that hovered over Julian at the start of the day.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Summer Fields was painted around 1961 and captures the "dying sunset spilling across the corner of a Catterline field".

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

We had of late been so accustomed to watch for sunrise and sunset, that we knew with fair accuracy when it would be; and we knew that before long the sun would set.

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker

Related Words

• dusk
• nightfall
• sundown
• twilight