WordGarden.iosunset
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈʌnsɛt/
US
- /ˈsənˌsɛt/
Meanings
Noun
the time in the evening when the sun goes down
an automatic expiration or planned ending built into a law, policy, contract, or program
Adjective
happening at, near, or relating to sunset
Verb
to phase out or formally discontinue a product, service, policy, or program
Beyond the definition
A sunset is not just the moment when the sun disappears below the horizon; it is also the beautiful spread of colors across the sky as day turns into night. You might see bright orange, soft pink, red, or purple for a short time before the sky grows dark.
Sunset is often linked with peace, quiet thought, and endings. You might watch it with someone you love, or feel a little sad because it marks the close of the day. It is also a common symbol in art, stories, and poems, where it can suggest both an ending and the start of something new. A "sunset clause" is a rule saying that a law or agreement will end on a certain date unless people renew it.
The word "sunset" refers to the time when the sun goes below the horizon, marking the end of the day and the shift into night. But it is more than just a point in time; it is also an experience. Imagine standing on a beach, feeling the warm sand between your toes as the sun dips toward the ocean, casting long shadows and turning the water to gold. Or picture yourself in the mountains, watching the sky fill with color as the sun sets behind sharp peaks.
The beauty of a sunset comes from a process called Rayleigh scattering, which means sunlight is scattered by particles in the atmosphere. This effect becomes stronger at sunrise and sunset because the light has to travel through more of the atmosphere, which filters out more blue light and lets the warmer colors stand out.
Beyond its visual beauty, "sunset" also carries symbolic meaning. It often represents endings, closure, or a time for reflection. We talk about someone being "in the sunset of their life," meaning they are nearing old age. It can also bring feelings of romance, calm, or nostalgia.
The phrase "golden hour" refers to the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset when daylight is softer and warmer than when the sun is high in the sky, and photographers love it for that reason. So whether you are admiring a bright sky, thinking about changes in life, or simply enjoying a quiet moment, "sunset" captures a powerful part of everyday experience.
Examples
- 1
Beach
We sat on the beach and watched the sunset.
- 2
Sky colors
The sky turned orange and pink at sunset.
- 3
Hotel view
From our hotel room, we could see the sunset over the bay.
- 4
Travel activity
They booked a sunset cruise for their last evening on the island.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Legal clause
The law has a sunset clause, so it will end automatically after five years.
- Domainsunset clause
a rule that ends on a set future date
- 6
Product retirement
The company plans to sunset the old app next spring.
- Patternsunset + product/service
gradually stop using or offering it
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- sunsetnounadjective
Forms
- sunsetspluralnounadjective