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; see origin at sun, set

Example Sentences

To hear her booming vocals on a recent Wednesday, you had to make your way to the Sunset Vista Ballroom at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

He joins us at the swanky Sunset Marquis hotel in West Hollywood where rock stars have gathered for decades in a luxury oasis behind the Sunset Strip.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

Sept. 18: Detectives served a search warrant at D4vd’s home in an upscale neighborhood on Doheny Drive, north of Sunset Boulevard.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

You can’t build temporary stands there; the outfield touches Sunset Boulevard.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

“The Golden Sunset Retirement Community about five miles from here.”

From "Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus" by Dusti Bowling

Related Words

• dusk
• nightfall
• sundown
• twilight