WordGarden.iodusk
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /dˈʌsk/
US
- /ˈdəsk/
Meanings
Noun
the dim part of the evening just after sunset
Beyond the definition
Dusk isn't just night arriving; it's the quiet in-between time when day gently gives way to darkness. Think of colors slowly fading in the sky as the bright light of day softens and the darker shades of night begin to appear. It's that calm moment when shadows grow longer and the world starts to slow down.
You might find yourself walking home at dusk, or looking out at a field covered in the soft light of dusk. Writers often use it to create a mood. It can feel peaceful, romantic, mysterious, or a little sad. It is a time of endings and beginnings, a pause before the world fully sleeps.
Dusk refers to the period of fading light between daylight and darkness - specifically, the twilight that comes after sunset. It's not quite night yet, but the sun has dipped below the horizon, leaving behind a soft glow in the sky. This glow is caused by sunlight scattering through the atmosphere.
The word "dusk" comes from Old English roots meaning "darkness" or "dimness." Historically, it was an important time for travelers and workers, marking the end of the day's labor and the need to find shelter.
Dusk isn't just something we see; it can also shape how a place feels. Sounds may seem clearer in the quiet air, and smells can stand out more. That is one reason it often appears in stories and personal writing. You might say, "The forest was silent except for the rustling leaves at dusk," or "A sense of peace settled over me as I watched the light fade."
Dusk can also be used metaphorically to represent the end of something - a relationship, an era, or even life itself. For example: "He was entering the dusk of his career." It suggests transition and change, as light fades and shadows grow longer. So whether you are noticing it in nature, feeling its mood, or using it as a symbol, dusk is a gentle reminder of the passage of time.
Examples
- 1
Evening scene
We reached the beach at dusk and watched the lights come on along the shore.
- 2
Curfew
The kids had to be back home by dusk.
- Patternby dusk
before it gets dark
- 3
Evening change
As dusk fell, the town grew quiet.
- Patternas dusk fell
as evening became darker
- 4
Long workday
During the harvest, people often worked from dawn to dusk.
- Patternfrom dawn to dusk
all day, from early morning until evening
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Outdoor lighting
The cabin has a dusk-to-dawn light by the front door.
- Patterndusk-to-dawn
working all night, from evening until morning
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- dusknounverb