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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of sunset

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

Example Sentences

They met while shooting her campaign advertisements and he proposed to her while surfing in the sunset.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

One of the reasons given was opposition to so-called "sunset clauses" which would have allowed some restrictions on Iran to expire over time.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

As solar panels lose their ability to generate electricity after sunset, one major challenge remains for renewable energy: how to store solar power for use later, whether during cloudy weather or overnight.

From Science Daily • May 15, 2026

Rothko collectors tend to pay a premium for his canvases drenched in red—much like sports car enthusiasts—or in other cheery sunset hues.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

Brooklyn asked, pointing at the Eiffel Tower glimmering in the sunset.

From "City Spies" by James Ponti

Related Words

• dusk
• nightfall
• sundown
• twilight