sunset

1 of 3

noun

sun·​set ˈsən-ˌset 

1

: the apparent descent of the sun below the horizon

also : the accompanying atmospheric effects

2

: the time when the upper limb of the sun disappears below the horizon as a result of the diurnal rotation of the earth

3

: a period of decline

especially : old age

sunset

2 of 3

adjective

: stipulating the periodic review of government agencies and programs in order to continue their existence

sunset laws

sunset

3 of 3

verb

sunsetted; sunsetting

1

transitive US : to cause or allow (something, such as a law) to lapse, end, or be terminated

… Obama offered an amendment … that would have sunsetted the merit-based evaluation system for immigrants after five years.

—Jake Tapper

In an effort to cut back on projects, Google decided to sunset Google Reader …

—Tristan Louis

2

intransitive US : to lapse or come to an end : expire

laws that will sunset at the end of the year

Since the credit will sunset at the end of 2016, its fate could rest in the hands of a new Congress and a new president—who might not necessarily see the value in reinstating the credit.

—Eric S. Peterson

Synonyms of sunset

Noun

• dusk
• night
• twilight
• evening
• sundown

Examples of sunset in a Sentence

Noun

We worked from sunrise to sunset.

the golden light of sunset

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Think vibrant blues, retro greens, bubblegum pinks, and sunset oranges. —Jenna Curcio, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026

Outdoor seating areas are positioned to capture both sunrise and sunset views. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2026

Adjective

Then be sure to read our expert's guide to photographing the lunar surface, written by Dury, along with our roundups of the best lenses and camera bodies for capturing the post-sunset sky. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 Mar. 2026

At Tryano in Abu Dhabi, the approach centers on the ghabga — the Gulf tradition of post-sunset gatherings — with a fashion edit pairing regional designers alongside exclusives from Jacquemus and Self-Portrait. —Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 25 Feb. 2026

Verb

Kansas’ affordable housing tax credit program is expected to sunset in 2028 following legislation passed and signed by the governor last year. —Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2026

The provision will sunset after five years — but that is unlikely to affect the changes the Fontainebleau is seeking given it only applies to the application process, not the construction. —Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1974, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1976, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sunset

• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• brevet
• briquette
• brunet
• brunette
• burette

Kids Definition

sunset

noun

sun·​set

-ˌset

1

: the apparent sinking of the sun below the horizon

also : the accompanying atmospheric effects

2

: the time at which the sun sets

Legal Definition

sunset

adjective

sun·​set

: having or being a provision stipulating the termination or repeal of something (as a law, grant, or insurance coverage) on a specified date

sunset laws requiring periodic review of programs to justify their continuance