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

• aurora
• cockcrow
• dawn
• dawning
• day
• daybreak
• daylight
• light
• morn
• morning
• sun
• sunup

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

Avoid the times of day when mosquitoes are most active, including before sunrise and after dusk. —Matthew Binnicker, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024

Mercury will be visible to the unaided eye as a moderately bright star above the eastern horizon about an hour before sunrise, said Teets. —Diana Leyva, The Courier-Journal, 3 Sep. 2024

The two engaged in a duel with pistols in a western-style standoff taking place during sunrise at Sacré-Couer, which ultimately sees Wick fall after taking a third bullet from Caine. —Skyler Trepel, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2024

Baraka and his solemn corps of volunteer gravediggers in the Deir al Balah cemetery start at sunrise, digging new trenches or reopening existing ones. —Julia Frankel and Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sunrise

• tequila sunrise

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