sunset

[suhn-set]

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.

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sunset¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; sun, set

Example Sentences

Sunrise and sunset are so important to me because they are such reflective times.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The fog coalesced around the summits, with sunset’s final rays transforming them into a gracefully undulating landscape of golden gauze.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“It is so peaceful here. We miss the peace and quiet. We miss the sunsets and the sunrises. We miss being near the ocean.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

That doesn’t mean I wasn’t counting the minutes until I could order my favorite hotel lobster roll as the train traveled along the water at sunset on approach to Emeryville, Calif., our last stop.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

By recognizing the solo instrument as a conveyor of stock-taking, it colors darkly, evoking changing leaves and sunset.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dusk 
• nightfall 
• sundown 
• twilight