sunset

1 of 3

noun

sun·​set ˈsən-ˌset 

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

Synonyms

Noun

• crepuscule
• crepuscle
• dusk
• eve
• evenfall
• evening
• eventide
• gloaming
• night
• nightfall
• sundown
• twilight

Examples of sunset in a Sentence

Noun

We worked from sunrise to sunset.

the golden light of sunset

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Hawaii Governor Josh Green ordered that U.S. and state flags be flown at half-staff at the Hawaii State Capitol and on all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawaii National Guard from sunrise until sunset on Saturday at the direction of the president. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024

In the movie’s iconic ending, the two ride off into the sunset on Ronald’s lawn mower. —Victoria Edel, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024

Adjective

Add an elegant outdoor sconce for some post-sunset flow and a cozy pillow. —Sofia Quintero, ELLE Decor, 28 Mar. 2023

The solar system’s largest planet this week takes a bow and departs the post-sunset night sky for many months. —Jamie Carter, Forbes, 26 Mar. 2023

Verb

The volunteers will count the whales from sunrise to sunset daily until late May. —Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024

Those individual tax breaks will sunset after 2025 without action from Congress, which could trigger higher taxes for more than 60% of taxpayers, according to the Tax Foundation. —Kate Dore, Cfp®, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2024

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

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