Sunup: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is often used in conversational or informal settings to describe the time when the sun starts to rise in the morning.

• He woke up at sunup to go fishing.
• Let's meet at sunup to start our hike.

Sunrise specifically refers to the moment when the sun becomes visible above the horizon. It is used in both everyday conversation and more descriptive, formal writing.

• The sunrise over the mountains was breathtaking.
• Photographers often gather to capture the perfect sunrise.

Dawn is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate the first light of day before the sun fully rises. It is also used metaphorically to signify the start of something new.

• She always feels a sense of hope at dawn.
• The dawn of a new era brought many changes.

Daybreak is a more poetic or literary way to describe the moment when the first light appears in the morning, signaling the end of the night.

• They planned to start their journey at daybreak.
• The city was peaceful at daybreak.

Sunup is often used in informal conversations, particularly in North America, to describe the time in the morning when the sun begins to appear above the horizon.

• We need to start hiking by sunup to avoid the midday heat.
• She always wakes up at sunup to go for a run.

Sunrise is best used when referring specifically to the moment the sun crosses the horizon, often in discussions about nature, time, or plans that depend on the exact positioning of the sun.

• We planned to watch the sunrise from the hilltop.
• Sunrise was particularly stunning this morning, with brilliant shades of orange and pink.

Dawn is a more general and versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts to refer to the first light of the day, before the sun has actually risen.

• The city looked magical at dawn.
• He was up at dawn to get ready for his big presentation.

Daybreak is a poetic term often used in literature and more descriptive contexts to indicate the moment when day first begins, typically emphasizing the beauty or significance of this time.

• They set off at daybreak to capture the best photographs.
• The village was peaceful at daybreak, with only the sound of birds.