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

The moon will produce a striking crescent sun at sunrise, giving northeastern states the best views. —Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025

How To See the Aurora To have the best chance of spotting the northern lights over this weekend—and, also, in general—the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommends looking skyward either just after sunset, or just before sunrise. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025

From sunrise to sunset, music was the heartbeat of the journey. —Melissa Noel, Essence, 13 Feb. 2025

Approximately three hours before sunrise on both August 12 and 13, bright Venus and Jupiter will appear close together above the eastern horizon, not far below Perseus. —Stephanie Vermillion, Outside Online, 13 Feb. 2025

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