sunrise

noun

sun·​rise ˈsən-ˌrīz How to pronounce sunrise (audio)
Synonyms of sunrisenext
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 of sunrise

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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
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.
Finally, there is Jupiter, becoming increasingly obvious as a brilliant light, low in the eastern sky a few hours before sunrise. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Weekend at the Ranch Out in the desert, Dialed Health sponsored an exclusive festival weekend afterparty, running from sunrise into the afternoon. — Ethan M. Stone, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 Highlights include watching the sunrise over Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos, hiking beneath Zion’s towering sandstone cliffs, marveling at Arches’ iconic rock formations, and driving through the dramatic landscapes of Capitol Reef and Canyonlands. — Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026 Photos aren't too bad, compared to video, but this camera's strengths sit firmly from sunrise to sunset. — New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sunrise

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Phrases Containing sunrise

Rhymes for sunrise

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Browse Nearby Words

sunray
sunrise
Sunrise
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Cite this Entry

“Sunrise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sunrise. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sunrise

noun
sun·​rise ˈsən-ˌrīz How to pronounce sunrise (audio)
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 How to pronounce Sunrise (audio)
city in southeastern Florida west of Fort Lauderdale
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