autumnal

adjective

au·​tum·​nal ȯ-ˈtəm-nəl 

: of, relating to, or characteristic of autumn

autumnal weather

autumnal colors

the autumnal equinox

I am often surprised to see rising amid these trees the rounded tops of apple-trees glowing with red or yellow fruit, in harmony with the autumnal tints of the forest.

—Henry David Thoreau

autumnally

ȯ-ˈtəm-nə-lē 

adverb

These days on the verge of winter were autumnally fair, struck through with warmth until the swift lengthening of the shadows.

—John Updike

Examples of autumnal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Meteorologists use the calendar to determine the change of seasons, while astronomers and the general public usually go with the autumnal equinox, when the sun is directly aligned with the equator, resulting in equal hours of daylight and darkness. —Doyle Rice, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2025

Lucky Brand Women's Mesh Date Night Top Available in two gorgeous autumnal floral prints—brown and pink—this stretchy, breathable mesh floral top from Lucky Brand can add a romantic touch to the classic ankle-boots-and-jeans fall outfit combo. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2025

Hang them around a fireplace, doorframe, stairs, tabletops, and banisters for an ideal autumnal atmosphere. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2025

On a very autumnal weekend, the festival also transported listeners to the sunny Caribbean. —Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin autumnālis, from autumnus autumn + -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above