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

Be sure to use time and date's sunrise and sunset calculator to ensure that the sun is safely below the horizon before observing the crescent phase of Venus with a telescope. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Strawberry and Citrus Sunrise Salad 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, 17 Sep. 2026

The park, open from sunrise to sunset, offers a sweet reprieve from the sun and is a great spot to take a deep breath and meditate in the woods. — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

The refuge is open to the public every day from sunrise to sunset. — Neal Riley, CBS News, 16 Sep. 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