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
Opposite is a floor-to-ceiling window the full length of the bungalow looking out onto sun loungers and your very own tranquillity soaking tub, for intimate bathing under the stars or breakfast in bed while watching the sunrise.
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 June 2026
In Texas, the dust may result in reduced air quality (especially for sensitive groups), hazy skies, and vibrant sunrises and sunsets early next week.
—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
26 June 2026
Looking ahead to early next week, some Saharan dust builds into DFW, causing some reduction in air quality, dusty skies and more colorful sunrises and sunsets.
—
Michael Autovino,
CBS News,
26 June 2026
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by the outlets, David and Bernadette took a trip to Zion National Park to celebrate their anniversary, and opted to hike Angel’s Landing before sunrise.
—
Kimberlee Speakman,
PEOPLE,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sunrise
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Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 June 2026
In Texas, the dust may result in reduced air quality (especially for sensitive groups), hazy skies, and vibrant sunrises and sunsets early next week.
—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
26 June 2026
Looking ahead to early next week, some Saharan dust builds into DFW, causing some reduction in air quality, dusty skies and more colorful sunrises and sunsets.
—
Michael Autovino,
CBS News,
26 June 2026
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by the outlets, David and Bernadette took a trip to Zion National Park to celebrate their anniversary, and opted to hike Angel’s Landing before sunrise.
—
Kimberlee Speakman,
PEOPLE,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sunrise
Cite this Entry
“Sunrise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sunrise. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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