the time in the evening when the sun goes below the horizon and daylight fades
We hurried to the beach to watch the sunset.
After sunset, the air became cooler.
✦ Old English ‘sunnan setl’ meaning ‘sun’s going down’, later contracted to ‘sunset’.
the colourful view or sky that appears around the time when the sun goes down
The mountain was silhouetted against a fiery sunset.
She painted the sunset in shades of pink and gold.
✦ Sense extended from the time of day to the spectacular colours seen in the sky during that period.
to officially end, retire, or phase out something at a planned time
The company will sunset its older smartphone model next year.
The law is scheduled to sunset after ten years unless renewed.
✦ Derived metaphorically in the 1970s from the noun ‘sunset’, suggesting the ending of a program or law like the day ending with the setting sun.
describing a business, industry, law, or clause that is declining or set to end
Coal is considered a sunset industry in many countries.
The bill included a sunset clause requiring review after five years.
✦ Formed by attributive use of the noun ‘sunset’, likening the fade of daylight to the decline of an activity or rule.
