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

Thank you to reader Jeff Napier, who captured this stunning shot of Mount Rainier bathed in fiery reds, golds, and oranges at sunrise last week. —Axios Seattle, Axios, 28 Oct. 2024

Observers in the Southern Hemisphere may see what’s left of it before sunrise on Nov. 4, according to Bob King at Sky & Telescope. —Jamie Carter, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

Iran, one of the world’s top executioners, typically hangs condemned prisoners before sunrise. —Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2024

The comet will pass closest to Earth on Oct. 24 – look low in the eastern sky just before sunrise. —James Wray, Discover Magazine, 18 Oct. 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