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

Conjunction of Venus and Jupiter: Aug. 12, 2025 (before sunrise) This year's Aug. 12 peak of the Perseid meteor shower — the most famous and prolific meteor shower of the year — will be largely ruined by strong moonlight. —Jamie Carter, Space.com, 29 Dec. 2024

Since the park is open 24 hours, consider visiting in the very early morning before sunrise or at night after 9 p.m. – the lava glowing against the dark sky is also a majestic scene. —Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 23 Dec. 2024

In Kyiv, at least three loud blasts were heard shortly before sunrise. —Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024

An ordinance prohibiting the distribution of handbills or solicitation on private property before sunrise or after sunset — or 7 p.m., whichever is later. —Angele Latham, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 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