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

• 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

The damaging winds are expected to gradually subside across Jamaica, but it is advised to remain in a safe shelter until sunrise. —Miami Herald Hurricane Bot, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2025

Baccarat chandeliers add a touch of drama, while 270-degree views stretch from the sunrise over the Atlantic to the sun setting behind the Miami skyline. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2025

According to the Time and Date sunrise/sunset calculator, residents will get about 10-and-a-half hours of daylight — compared to more than 12 hours during the summer. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Oct. 2025

There’s nothing quite like watching the sunrise over the desert from a hot air balloon to get your heart racing. —Essence, 28 Oct. 2025

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