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 calledsundown 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

Related Words

• dusk
• nightfall
• sundown
• twilight