sunrise

noun

sun·​rise ˈsən-ˌrīz 

1

: the apparent rising of the sun above the horizon

also : the accompanying atmospheric effects

2

: the time when the upper limb of the sun appears above the horizon as a result of the diurnal rotation of the earth

Synonyms

• aurora
• cockcrow
• dawn
• dawning
• day
• daybreak
• daylight
• light
• morn
• morning
• sun
• sunup

Examples of sunrise in a Sentence

We were up before sunrise.

We worked from sunrise to sunset.

We watched the sunrise from the beach.

the pink light of sunrise

Recent Examples on the Web

Deer typically are most active and browsing at dusk and right before sunrise, says Mengak. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2024

David Rockwell’s scenic design places the stars and stripes — a flag either shredded by the wind or materializing at sunrise, your choice — behind the orchestra, and then inserts the necessary bits of set dressing by way of minimal gestures. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024

According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, increasing winds are expected after sunrise on Wednesday, gusting to 30 mph during the day. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 30 Oct. 2024

To tap into their love of the mystical, Scorpios may visit Arthur's Seat at sunrise. —Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sunrise

• tequila sunrise

Kids Definition

sunrise

noun

sun·​rise ˈsən-ˌrīz 

1

: the apparent rising of the sun above the horizon

also : the accompanying atmospheric effects (as color)

2

: the time at which the sun rises

Geographical Definition

Sunrise

geographical name

Sun·​rise ˈsən-ˌrīz 

city in southeastern Florida west of Fort Lauderdale population 84,439