The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 147 categorized lessons, 428 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, CPE, BEC, PTE, FCE

Buy on Amazon

4.8

Improve Your Vocabulary Today!

dusk

noun

/dʌsk/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of dusk

The period of time between daylight and darkness, specifically the twilight that occurs after sunset and before full nightfall.
"The fireflies began to illuminate the garden as dusk settled in."

Detailed meaning of dusk

It is characterized by a gradual fading of daylight as the sun descends below the horizon. During dusk, the sky often exhibits a mix of vibrant colors, such as shades of orange, pink, and purple, creating a picturesque and serene atmosphere. Dusk is a transitional phase that marks the transition from day to night, and it holds a unique charm and tranquility. The term is also metaphorically used to describe a sense of fading or waning, much like the diminishing light during this time of day. Dusk serves as a poetic reminder of the ebb and flow of time and the fleeting nature of daylight, while simultaneously offering a moment of peacefulness and reflection before the arrival of nighttime.

Example sentences containing dusk

1. The sky turned a beautiful shade of orange as dusk approached.
2. The birds chirped loudly, signaling the arrival of dusk.
3. The landscape transformed into a serene and mysterious setting at dusk.
4. The jogger enjoyed running along the beach during dusk.
5. The city lights began to illuminate the streets as dusk settled in.
6. The stars started to twinkle in the dusky sky.

History and etymology of dusk

The noun 'dusk' has its etymological origins in Old English. It is derived from the Old English word 'dox,' which meant 'darkness' or 'obscuration.' This Old English term is related to the Proto-Germanic word '*dusko,' which signified 'darkness' or 'dimness.' Therefore, the etymology of 'dusk' conveys the idea of the period of time between daylight and darkness, specifically the twilight that occurs after sunset and before full nightfall. The word 'dusk' captures the transition from light to dark, reflecting its use to describe that dim, intermediary phase of the evening when the world takes on a darker hue, and daylight fades into the encroaching night.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the noun dusk:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of dusk

1. The photographer captured the breathtaking colors of the sunset during dusk.
2. The temperature dropped slightly as dusk brought cooler air.
3. The children played tag in the park until dusk fell.
4. The bats emerged from their hiding places to search for food at dusk.
5. The crickets started their melodious chorus as dusk enveloped the surroundings.
6. The couple took a romantic stroll along the riverbank at dusk.
7. The silhouette of the trees against the dusky backdrop created a picturesque scene.
8. The fishermen cast their lines, hoping to catch some fish before dusk.
9. The sky gradually darkened, marking the transition from day to dusk.
10. The peacefulness of the countryside was enhanced during the tranquility of dusk.
11. The flowers in the garden seemed to glow in the fading light of dusk.
12. The sound of laughter and conversation filled the outdoor café as dusk settled in.
13. The bats soared through the dusky sky, their wings fluttering gracefully.
14. The beach was the perfect place to watch the sun sink below the horizon at dusk.