I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: Middle English sonne set, probably from sonne sun + set
1.
a. : the apparent descent of the sun below the horizon : the atmospheric effects that accompany the sun's disappearance : the time the sun disappears
b. : the time when the upper limb of the sun as affected by refraction disappears below the sensible horizon as a result of the diurnal rotation of the earth
2. : a period of decline ; especially : the time of old age
the keynote of this sunset of her life was her serene religious faith — Martha T. Stephenson
the … sunset of the secure Victorian world — DeLancey Ferguson
3. : a pale orange yellow that is redder and stronger than freestone and slightly yellower and duller than peachblow
II. ˈ ̷ ̷ ˌ ̷ ̷ adjective
Etymology: sunset , noun
1. : stipulating the periodic review of government agencies and programs in order to continue their existence
sunset laws
2. : being in a period of decline
sunset industries