the first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise, the beginning of a phenomenon or period of time, especially one perceived as favorable

at the crack of dawn, dawn on someone, new dawn

Formal and Informal Expressions of dawn

In different contexts, you can replace 'dawn' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'daybreak, beginning' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'sunup, crack of dawn' is a commonplace synonym.

dawn: Explore its Definition & Usage

dawn Definition

1the first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise
2the beginning of a phenomenon or period of time, especially one perceived as favorable

Using dawn: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "dawn" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
I woke up at dawn to watch the sunrise.
Example
The dawn of the digital age changed the way we communicate.
Example
The dawn of a new era is upon us.
Example
The dawn chorus of birds is a beautiful sound.

dawn Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for dawn

Antonyms for dawn

Phrases with dawn

at the crack of dawn
very early in the morning, at or just before sunrise
Example
We had to wake up at the crack of dawn to catch the early flight.
dawn on someone
if something dawns on you, you realize it for the first time
Example
It finally dawned on me that I had left my keys at home.
new dawn
a new beginning or a positive change
Example
The election of a new president signaled a new dawn for the country.

Origins of dawn

from Old English 'dagian', meaning 'to become day'

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Summary: dawn in Brief

The term 'dawn' [dɔːn] refers to the first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise, or the beginning of a phenomenon or period of time. It can be used to describe the start of a new era or a positive change, as in 'The dawn of a new era is upon us.' 'Dawn' also appears in phrases like 'at the crack of dawn,' indicating very early in the morning, and 'dawn on someone,' meaning to realize something for the first time.