A1 noun Neutral #4,967 most common

dawn

/dɔːn/

Dawn is the time of day when light first appears in the sky before the sun rises. It marks the transition from night to morning and is often associated with the beginning of a new day.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The birds began to sing at dawn.

The birds started their songs at the very beginning of the day.

2

The expedition is scheduled to depart at the break of dawn.

The group is planned to leave as soon as the first light appears.

3

I've been awake since dawn, so I'm really tired.

I have been up since very early this morning, so I feel sleepy.

Word Family

Noun
dawn
Verb
dawn
Adjective
dawning
Related
daybreak
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Memory Tip

Think of the 'D' in Dawn for 'Day starts'. Dawn is when the Day begins.

Quick Quiz

The farmer wakes up every day at ______ to feed the animals.

Correct!

The correct answer is: dawn

Examples

1

The birds began to sing at dawn.

everyday

The birds started their songs at the very beginning of the day.

2

The expedition is scheduled to depart at the break of dawn.

formal

The group is planned to leave as soon as the first light appears.

3

I've been awake since dawn, so I'm really tired.

informal

I have been up since very early this morning, so I feel sleepy.

4

Observations were recorded daily from dawn until midday.

academic

The researchers took notes every day from first light until noon.

5

The logistics team must ensure all deliveries arrive by dawn.

business

The delivery staff needs to make sure items get there by early morning.

Word Family

Noun
dawn
Verb
dawn
Adjective
dawning
Related
daybreak

Common Collocations

at dawn happening at the time of first light
before dawn occurring while it is still dark
crack of dawn at the very earliest moment of light
from dawn till dusk from the early morning until the evening
early dawn the start of the daybreak period

Common Phrases

The dawn of a new era

The beginning of a new period in history

At the crack of dawn

Very early in the morning

It dawned on me

I suddenly understood something

Often Confused With

dawn vs sunrise

Dawn is the first appearance of light, whereas sunrise is when the sun actually crosses the horizon.

dawn vs down

Down is a direction or movement toward the ground, while dawn is a time of day.

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Usage Notes

Dawn is primarily used as a noun to describe a specific time. When used as a verb, it often means to begin to become light or to suddenly become clear to someone's mind.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often say 'in the dawn,' but the correct preposition is usually 'at dawn.' Also, do not confuse the pronunciation with the word 'down'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'D' in Dawn for 'Day starts'. Dawn is when the Day begins.

📖

Word Origin

From the Old English 'dagung', which literally means the 'becoming of day'.

Grammar Patterns

Used as a singular noun Usually follows the preposition 'at' Can be used metaphorically as the beginning of something
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Cultural Context

In many cultures, dawn is a symbol of hope, rebirth, and the opportunity for a fresh start.

Quick Quiz

The farmer wakes up every day at ______ to feed the animals.

Correct!

The correct answer is: dawn

More Weather words

windy

A1

Windy is an adjective used to describe weather conditions where there is a lot of strong, moving air. It characterizes a day or a place where the wind is blowing harder than usual, often making it feel colder or causing objects to move.

foggy

A1

Foggy is an adjective used to describe weather where there is a thick cloud of tiny water droplets near the ground. It makes it very difficult to see things that are far away or even close by.

stormy

A1

Describes weather that is characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, and often thunder or lightning. It can also refer to a situation or relationship marked by strong conflict or angry arguments.

overcast

A1

An overcast is a condition where the entire sky is covered with clouds and no sun can be seen. It describes a grey and dull sky that often happens before rain or during cold days.

cool

A1

Describes a temperature that is moderately cold, typically in a way that is pleasant or refreshing. It is used to describe weather that is neither hot nor very cold, often requiring a light jacket.

freezing

A1

Freezing refers to the temperature at which water turns into ice, which is 0°C or 32°F. It describes the process or the state of the weather when it is cold enough for liquid to become solid.

humid

A1

Humid describes air that feels wet, damp, and sticky because it contains a lot of water vapor. It is often used to describe hot weather that makes you feel sweaty.

wet

A1

Describes something that is covered in or full of water or another liquid. In the context of weather, it refers to a day or period when it is raining.

mild

A1

Mild describes weather that is warmer than usual for a specific time of year, especially in winter or autumn. It means the temperature is moderate and pleasant, rather than being very cold or freezing.

rain

A1

Rain is water that falls from clouds in the sky in small drops. It is a natural weather event that provides water for plants and fills rivers and lakes.

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