Dusk: meaning, definitions and examples

The time just after the sun has set, but before it gets completely dark.

• The streetlights turn on at dusk.
• We should head home before dusk falls.

The moment when the sun disappears below the horizon. It is also often used to describe the beautiful colors in the sky during this time.

• They watched the sunset from the beach.
• The sunset was stunning with shades of pink and orange.

The period of time from the end of the afternoon until night. It is a more general term and can refer to the time after 6 PM to bedtime.

• We went out for dinner in the evening.
• She often takes a walk in the evening.

The period of time just after sunset (or just before sunrise), during which the sky is partly illuminated. It is slightly longer and often more poetic than 'dusk'.

• The garden looked magical in the twilight.
• Bats start flying around during twilight.

Dusk refers to the time just before it becomes dark in the evening. It is often used in a poetic or romantic context to describe the fading light.

• We took a walk along the beach at dusk
• The city looked magical at dusk

Nightfall refers to the time when darkness begins and the night starts. It is often used in a descriptive, storytelling, or formal context.

• They planned to reach the camp before nightfall
• The streets were deserted by nightfall

Eventide is an old-fashioned or literary term for the evening. It is rarely used in everyday conversation and is mostly found in poetry or classical literature.

• The calm moonlit eventide was perfect for reflection
• We met at eventide to discuss our plans

Used to describe the time of day when the sun has just set, and it is becoming dark, but it is not yet fully nighttime. It is often associated with a gentle, peaceful atmosphere.

• They decided to take a walk during dusk to watch the colors of the sky change
• The streetlights began to turn on as dusk settled over the city

Refers to the process of becoming darker or making something darker. It's often used to describe changes in lighting or color.

• The sky began to darken as storm clouds gathered
• She used a filter to darken the photo for a dramatic effect

Describes a decrease in brightness or light. It can also refer to reducing the strength or intensity of something, often in a gentle or subtle way.

• He dimmed the lights to create a cozy atmosphere in the room
• The stars appeared dim from the city due to the light pollution