crepuscular
Say it: krih-PUS-kyuh-luh /krɪˈpʌskjʊlə/ · adjective
What “crepuscular” means
Most active at dawn and dusk.
More precisely: Relating to twilight; of animals, most active at dawn and dusk.
Example: “Foxes are crepuscular, which is why I see them on my early runs.”
When to use it
In nature discussions, for animals busiest around sunrise and sunset, with a precise, factual tone.
It can also mean
It can also describe light, scenes or other things connected with twilight.
Similar words
twilit, dusky, shadowy
Where it comes from
Latin crepusculum, 'twilight'.
Quick check
A rabbit usually emerges to feed around sunrise and sunset, resting at other times. What describes its activity?
nocturnal or crepuscular?
Show the answer
crepuscular
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