sunset

1 of 3

noun

sun·​set ˈsən-ˌset How to pronounce sunset (audio)
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
And yet, even though he was part of the coalition, 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

Examples of sunset in a Sentence

Noun We worked from sunrise to sunset. the golden light of sunset
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.
Noun
Equally impressive: the breadth and quality of its active and cultural pursuits, which range from sunset storytelling cruises and treasure hunt boat tours on the water to nature hikes and helicopter tours. Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025 After sunset, recessed lighting keeps the area bright. James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2025
Adjective
Add an elegant outdoor sconce for some post-sunset flow and a cozy pillow. Sofia Quintero, ELLE Decor, 28 Mar. 2023 The solar system’s largest planet this week takes a bow and departs the post-sunset night sky for many months. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 26 Mar. 2023
Verb
Taliesin West offers several different types of tours for the public and hosts events such as summer camps for children and sunset happy hours. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 July 2025 Wisteria Lane 4-Piece Wicker Conversation Set Elevate your outdoor space with this four-piece wicker conversation set that’s perfect for hosting small family gatherings and sunset happy hours. Emily Weaver, People.com, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sunset

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of sunset was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Sunset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sunset. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sunset

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