Dusk
dʌsk
Definitions
The period of time just before nightfall when it is almost dark.
dʌsk
The time of day when the sun is below the horizon, but the sky is still illuminated.
The birds began to sing as dusk approached.
💡 Simply: Dusk is like when the sun is going to bed. It's not totally dark yet, but the light is fading. Imagine watching the sunset with your family, that's when dusk begins.
👶 For kids: Dusk is when the sun is going to sleep, and it's getting dark.
More Examples
The air cooled noticeably as the sun began to set at dusk.
We finished our hike just as dusk settled over the valley.
How It's Used
"They strolled along the beach at dusk."
"The dusk deepened, casting long shadows across the fields."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
At dusk
During the period of twilight.
"The bats come out at dusk."
Dusk to dawn
From the beginning of twilight until sunrise; throughout the night.
"The security guards are on duty from dusk to dawn."
From Old English *dox, dusuc*, akin to Old Norse *dusk*, referring to the twilight period between day and night.
The word 'dusk' has been used in English since the Old English period, and has consistently referred to the time of day between sunset and night.
Memory tip
Think of the 'dusk' as the 'dusk'y time before night, when the sun takes a 'dusk'y rest.
Word Origin
"to become dark, dim"