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

Remember to make a reservation in advance, as spaces are limited, and plan to stick around after sunrise to explore some of the hiking trails. — Giovanna Caravetta, Travel + Leisure, 25 Aug. 2026

Temperatures will bottom-out in the 50s and lower 60s in many communities away from the bay around sunrise. — Cutter Martin, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026

Nevertheless, bikers will find plenty to like about Lafayette Heritage Trail Park, and the views of the lake at sunrise and sunset are picturesque. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026

For the United Kingdom, Europe and Africa, the eclipse will be an early morning affair, occurring shortly before sunrise as the moon arcs low towards the western horizon. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 22 Aug. 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