sundowner

[ suhn-dou-ner ]

noun

1. Chiefly British. an alcoholic drink taken after completing the day's work, usually at sundown.
2. Australian. a tramp or hobo, especially one who arrives at a homestead near sundown in order to avoid having to work in exchange for shelter.

sundowner

/ ˈsʌnˌdaʊnə /

noun

1. obsolete.
   a tramp, esp one who seeks food and lodging at sundown when it is too late to work
2. nautical a strict ship's officer
3. informal.
   an alcoholic drink taken at sunset
4. slang.
   a lazy sheepdog

Word History and Origins

Origin of sundowner¹

First recorded in 1870–75; sundown + -er ¹

Example Sentences

The prevalence of human ignitions means wildfires are more likely to erupt when sundowner and Santa Ana winds can whip them into a fury, as happened with the Woolsey and the Thomas, the state’s second-largest wildland fire on record.

From Los Angeles Times

Wildland firefighters detest chaparral for its ability to burn with untamable ferocity when driven by Santa Ana or sundowner winds.

From Los Angeles Times

Already this week, wind advisories were issued in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, where sundowner winds delivered gusts of 50 mph overnight Wednesday and Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

From Los Angeles Times

But gusty sundowner winds are expected Sunday night and Monday night, further elevating dangerous fire conditions.

From Los Angeles Times

They even all generally move in a similar direction, from the northeast to the southwest, or in the case of sundowner winds, from north to south.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• enforcer