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 of sunrise

• day
• dawn
• morning
• morn
• dawning
• daybreak
• daylight

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

Try Out Kayaking or Paddleboarding Head out at sunrise or sunset—or in between laying out on the beach—with paddleboards from nearby BOTE Grayton Beach or kayaks from Yellowfin Ocean Sports, and catch a coastal scene like no other. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 14 Jan. 2026

The sunrise turned the scene golden. —Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2026

For the most breathtaking experience, head up there during sunrise and sunset, when the golden light washes over the city, illuminating its rooftops and winding streets in a magical glow. —Rana Good, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026

As bright as a sunrise in both color and flavor, this simple fruit salad calls for just strawberries, oranges, tangerines, and grapefruit, dressed in lime juice, honey, and fresh mint. —Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 12 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sunrise

• tequila sunrise

Rhymes for sunrise

• advise
• applies
• apprise
• arise
• assize
• baptize
• belies
• bitwise
• capsize
• chastise
• chordwise
• clockwise

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