twilight

noun

twi·​light ˈtwī-ˌlīt How to pronounce twilight (audio)
often attributive
1
: the light from the sky between full night and sunrise or between sunset and full night produced by diffusion of sunlight through the atmosphere and its dust
also : a time of twilight
2
a
: an intermediate state that is not clearly defined
lived in the twilight of neutralityNewsweek
b
: a period of decline

Examples of twilight in a Sentence

The sun set and twilight fell. stumbled around the twilight of the shuttered room, unable to see where she was going
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
How to view planet alignment 2025 Planet parades must be observed during twilight between dawn and sunset so a glowing sky does not obscure the view. Marina Johnson, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 Amidst the urban twilight, two friends take photos at one of the last New York City phone booths when the phone begins to ring. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 25 June 2025 So, from mid-northern latitudes, the duration of evening twilight is longer by about 30 minutes. Joe Rao, Space.com, 24 June 2025 This is twilight music, played at the edge of grief and grace. Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for twilight

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of twilight was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Twilight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/twilight. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

twilight

noun
twi·​light ˈtwī-ˌlīt How to pronounce twilight (audio)
: the period or the light from the sky between full night and sunrise or between sunset and full night

More from Merriam-Webster on twilight

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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