Definition of "dawn" in English

verb

1. (intransitive) To begin to brighten with daylight.

   • A new day dawns.

2. (intransitive, figurative) To start to appear or become obvious.

   • I don’t want to be there when the truth dawns on him.
   • The realization dawned on him that few would pass that final exam.

3. (intransitive, figurative) To begin to give promise; to begin to appear or to expand.

noun

1. (uncountable) The morning twilight period immediately before sunrise.

2. (countable) The rising of the sun.

3. (uncountable) The time when the sun rises.

   • She rose before dawn to meet the train.

4. (uncountable) The earliest phase of something.

   • The dawn of civilization didn't imply twilight of barbarity.