plural dawns
1
: the time of day when sunlight first begins to appear
We arrived at/before/after dawn. [=sunrise, daybreak]
We danced till dawn.
the dawn's clear light
as dawn breaks over the city
He woke up at the crack of dawn. [=very early in the morning]
She drove from dawn to/until dusk. [=from early morning until early evening]
Winter brings late dawns and early sunsets.
2
: the beginning of something
—usually singular —usually + of
People have fought with each other since the dawn of history/time/civilization.
the dawn of a new era/age
at the dawn of the 21st century
dawns; dawned; dawning
1
: to begin to become light as the sun rises
They waited for the day to dawn.
2
: to start or begin
A new age/era is dawning.
3
: to begin to be understood
Suddenly, the truth dawns.
Cite this Entry
“Dawn.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/dawn. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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