# sunrise

/ˈsənˌɹaɪz/ (US) · /sˈʌnɹaɪz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sunrise
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. time of day

noun · CEFR A1

the time in the early morning when the sun first appears in the sky.

For teachers: the moment or period when the upper limb of the sun appears above the eastern horizon.

- We woke up at four in the morning to watch the sunrise from the beach.
- The hikers reached the summit just before sunrise, witnessing the first rays of light illuminate the valley below.

### 2. colors in the sky

noun · CEFR A2

the beautiful colors, like pink and orange, that appear in the sky when the sun comes up.

For teachers: the atmospheric display of light and color occurring as the sun rises.

- The sunrise was so beautiful that I had to stop and take a photo.
- A spectacular sunrise painted the clouds in shades of crimson and gold, providing a dramatic backdrop for the morning news broadcast.

### 3. a new beginning

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

the start of something new and hopeful.

For teachers: a figurative awakening or the beginning of a new era or movement.

- Many saw the end of the war as the sunrise of a new age of peace.
- The poet used the image of a sunrise to symbolise the intellectual awakening of a generation long suppressed by censorship.

## Examples

- We woke up early to watch the sunrise over the ocean.
- The hikers reached the summit just before sunrise to enjoy the view of the valley.
- The photographer captured the fleeting moment of sunrise, when the golden light perfectly illuminated the mist rising from the lake.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.