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.
Kansas City had a high of 37 degrees and a low of 29 degrees with trace amounts of rain and snow on January 7, and temperatures dropped to right around freezing just before sunrise the next morning. Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 30 June 2025 The northern lights are best viewed in the hours after sunset and before sunrise, specifically within an hour or two of midnight (between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time), according to NOAA. Skyler Caruso, People.com, 30 June 2025 Setting out before sunrise, Zhou spent an hour scrambling to the top of a rocky peak, praying that the elusive brown lemurs (Eulemur fulvus) would show. Skylar Knight, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025 The gorgeous red rocks of the desert landscape can be a stunning backdrop for your vows—especially at sunrise or sunset. Shelby Wax, Vogue, 24 June 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

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sunrise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sunrise. Accessed 8 Jul. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!