sunrise

noun

sun·​rise ˈsən-ˌrīz How to pronounce sunrise (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The cataclysmic flood waters rushed through Camp Mystic before sunrise on July 4. Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2025 Orion's Belt Look for the three stars that make up the distinctive formation of Orion's Belt — Alnitak, Alnilam and Mintaka — shining roughly 40 degrees above the southern horizon before sunrise. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2025 Trail blazers Hiking essentials for outdoor-loving dogs If your idea of a good time is a sunrise hike, check out this pet gear that is built for rugged trails and mountain views. Jessica Moore, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025 Early morning fog will burn off shortly after sunrise and low-level foggy clouds will clear out by late morning. Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sunrise

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sunrise was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Sunrise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sunrise. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

sunrise

noun
sun·​rise ˈsən-ˌrīz How to pronounce sunrise (audio)
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 How to pronounce Sunrise (audio)
city in southeastern Florida west of Fort Lauderdale population 84,439

More from Merriam-Webster on sunrise

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