sunrise

word

/ˈsənˌɹaɪz/
SUHN-ryz
/sˈʌnɹaɪz/
SUHN-ryz

Definition

The time in the morning when the sun first appears in the sky. It can also refer to the natural light and view at that time.

Usage & Nuances

Usually an uncountable noun when talking about the event in general ('at sunrise'), but it can be countable when referring to a specific view ('a beautiful sunrise'). Common collocations: 'watch the sunrise', 'sunrise over the ocean', 'before/at sunrise'. Do not confuse it with 'dawn', which is the early light before the sun actually appears.

Example Sentences

We woke up before sunrise.

basic

The beach is beautiful at sunrise.

basic

We watched the sunrise from the hill.

basic

If we leave now, we can catch the sunrise.

natural

That was the best sunrise I've seen in years.

natural

I'm not a morning person, but I'd wake up early for a sunrise like that.

natural