noun
Uncommon
dusk
duhsk
Dusk (noun) means the dim period between sunset and full darkness. Example: “The streetlights flickered on as dusk settled over the town.”
noun
1
The dim period between sunset and full darkness.
"The streetlights flickered on as dusk settled over the town."
"They watched the bats come out at dusk."
adj
1
Dim or somewhat dark in colour or light.
"A dusk haze hung over the valley."
verb
1
To grow dim or dark, or to make something so.
"The sky began to dusk as the sun dropped behind the hills."
How to use dusk
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe fading light right after sunset, before it's properly dark — sometimes called twilight.
Common mistake
Don't mix up with dawn — dusk is evening, dawn is morning.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
at dusk
dusk falls
from dawn to dusk
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Word forms
- Plural
- dusks
- Third person singular
- dusks
- Past tense
- dusked
- Comparative
- dusker
- Superlative
- duskest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The streetlights flickered on as _____ settled over the town.
Etymology
From Old English dox, "dark, swarthy," going back to a root meaning "smoke" or "haze" — related to "dust" and "dun."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for dusk
See all rhymes for dusk →Frequently asked questions
What does “dusk” mean?
The word “dusk” means the dim period between sunset and full darkness. In plain terms, the fading light right after sunset, before it's properly dark — sometimes called twilight.
How do you pronounce “dusk”?
“Dusk” is pronounced duhsk (/dʌsk/ in IPA).
How do you use “dusk” in a sentence?
Here is “dusk” used in a sentence: “The streetlights flickered on as dusk settled over the town.”
What is another word for “dusk”?
Words with a similar meaning to “dusk” include nightfall, smokefall, vespers, cockshut, crepusculum and dark.
What is the opposite of “dusk”?
The opposite of “dusk” — its antonyms — are dawn and daybreak.
What part of speech is “dusk”?
Depending on how it is used, “dusk” can be a noun, an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “dusk” come from?
The word “dusk” comes from Old English. From Old English dox, "dark, swarthy," going back to a root meaning "smoke" or "haze" — related to "dust" and "dun.".
Is “dusk” a common word?
“Dusk” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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