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

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

Dim or somewhat dark in colour or light.

"A dusk haze hung over the valley."

verb

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 notes

In 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

dawn →

Common pairings

at dusk dusk falls from dawn to dusk

Word forms

dusker comparative, dusked past tense, dusks plural, dusks singular, duskest superlative

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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."

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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nightfall smokefall vespers cockshut crepusculum dark dimmity duckish mirkning night sun sundown

Antonyms

dawn daybreak

Related words

night black light morning star earth beginning dark

Rhymes for dusk

rusk tusk musk husk

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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