sunset

1 of 3

noun

sun·​set ˈsən-ˌset How to pronounce sunset (audio)
1
: the apparent descent of the sun below the horizon
also : the accompanying atmospheric effects
2
: the time when the upper limb of the sun disappears below the horizon as a result of the diurnal rotation of the earth
3
: a period of decline
especially : old age

sunset

2 of 3

adjective

: stipulating the periodic review of government agencies and programs in order to continue their existence
sunset laws

sunset

3 of 3

verb

sunsetted; sunsetting
1
transitive, US : to cause or allow (something, such as a law) to lapse, end, or be terminated
And yet, even though he was part of the coalition, Obama offered an amendment … that would have sunsetted the merit-based evaluation system for immigrants after five years. Jake Tapper
In an effort to cut back on projects, Google decided to sunset Google Reader … Tristan Louis
2
intransitive, US : to lapse or come to an end : expire
laws that will sunset at the end of the year
Since the credit will sunset at the end of 2016, its fate could rest in the hands of a new Congress and a new president—who might not necessarily see the value in reinstating the credit. Eric S. Peterson

Example Sentences

Noun We worked from sunrise to sunset. the golden light of sunset
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Their ceremony took place at sunset on the stunning Wailea Point, with a beautiful turquoise ocean and lush greenery serving as the backdrop. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 19 Nov. 2022 As its original name suggests, the view is speckled with some of NYC’s most iconic landmarks—including One World Trade and the Empire State Building—that look even more gorgeous at sunset. Dana Givens, Robb Report, 18 Nov. 2022 Other stops should include The Old Jail Art Center and Museum, showing and selling the work of local artists, and Darien River Waterfront Park and Docks, perfect for a picnic or stroll at sunset. Caroline Mckenzie, Country Living, 16 Nov. 2022 Sunlight has fallen below 10 hours a day: Sunrise in Boston was at 6:30 a.m. and sunset will be at 4:25 p.m. for 9 hours and 55 minutes of sunlight. Teresa M. Hanafin, BostonGlobe.com, 11 Nov. 2022 For example, sunset on Nov. 5 in Birmingham is 5:52 p.m. CST. Leada Gore | Lgore@al.com, al, 2 Nov. 2022 Note: Today's sunset in DC is at 6p and won't be before 6p again until next November. Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2022 That will allow more frequent launch opportunities, as well as more options for the time of day, including sunrise and sunset flights that allow for more dramatic stargazing. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 15 Nov. 2022 By using your location, this fasting app provides an accurate start and end time based on sunrise and sunset in your area. Marisa Cohen, Good Housekeeping, 7 Nov. 2022
Adjective
The post ends with a sunset aerial view of her Hidden Hills property, showing the manicured landscape, a basketball court and a glimpse of a pool. Natalia Senanayake, Peoplemag, 30 Nov. 2022 Then, the post-sunset meal, iftar, is eaten together with family or the broader Muslim community. Elissa Welle, Detroit Free Press, 15 Apr. 2022 The two brightest nighttime objects appear separated by just 4° in Earth’s post-sunset skies. Ethan Siegel, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2021 Jupiter is now the only bright planet left in the post-sunset sky. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 30 Jan. 2022 So, why not hang out at the barn office post-sunset? San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Nov. 2021 Look high in the southwest before dawn for these jewels of the night sky that are soon to be post-sunset objects—and with us all winter! Jamie Carter, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2021 Rosenthal lived in Unit 705 — a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment that had a sunset view of Collins Avenue and Biscayne Bay — for 20 years, still paying off the mortgage. Washington Post, 1 July 2021 Here are 7 things to see in the post-sunset night sky this weekend and all through summer: 1. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 25 June 2021
Verb
The government will sunset the nonfiler sign-up tool GetCTC (www.getctc.org/en) on Nov. 15. La Risa R. Lynch, Journal Sentinel, 9 Nov. 2022 But the mayor reasoned that the loss would be offset by an increase in investment alternative taxes; the break that casinos had received on the levy would sunset as planned in 2022. Alison Burdo, ProPublica, 2 June 2022 Despite the impact, the cameras will sunset in 2023 unless extended by the Legislature. Claudia Lauer, ajc, 31 May 2022 The windfall tax will sunset at the end of 2025, or when prices return to more normal levels. Andrew Jeong, Washington Post, 27 May 2022 After proper due diligence, sunset all low-value, high-complexity applications. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 21 Apr. 2022 Beyond taxing everyone, under the plan, all federal laws would sunset in five years. Jonathan Weisman, New York Times, 31 Mar. 2022 More executive orders will sunset at the end of June, such as one limiting liability if a data breach occurs on a telemedicine platform. Karen Kaplan Science And Medicine Editor, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2022 If enacted into law, the measures would sunset on July 31, 2023, unless extended by the General Assembly. Michael R. Wickline, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sunset.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1974, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1976, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sunset was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near sunset

Cite this Entry

“Sunset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sunset. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022.

Kids Definition

sunset

noun
sun·​set
-ˌset
1
: the apparent sinking of the sun below the horizon
also : the accompanying atmospheric effects
2
: the time at which the sun sets

Legal Definition

sunset

adjective
sun·​set
: having or being a provision stipulating the termination or repeal of something (as a law, grant, or insurance coverage) on a specified date
sunset laws requiring periodic review of programs to justify their continuance

More from Merriam-Webster on sunset

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