autumn

noun

au·​tumn ˈȯ-təm 

1

: the season between summer and winter comprising in the northern hemisphere usually the months of September, October, and November or as reckoned astronomically extending from the September equinox to the December solstice

called also fall

2

: a period of maturity or incipient decline

in the autumn of life

Synonyms of autumn

• age
• afternoon
• twilight
• evening
• winter

Examples of autumn in a Sentence

in the autumn of last year

a magnificent New England autumn

She went off to college in the autumn of 1999.

When autumn came he planted grass.

Recent Examples on the Web

Then, plant a final round of seeds in late summer for an autumn harvest. —Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 25 Apr. 2026

This striking deciduous tree is recognized for its unique alligator bark, vibrant autumn foliage, and late-season sweet fruit. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 24 Apr. 2026

But a visit the rest of the year is equally worthwhile, especially when activities like stargazing at the Maria Mitchell Observatory hit their stride in autumn and winter. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2026

In Cafe Floretta, Pierangelini deftly transforms autumn vegetables into delicate, flavorful dishes like artichokes alla Romana and cauliflower steak topped with a perfectly balanced caper hollandaise. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English autumpne, borrowed from Anglo-French autompne, borrowed from Latin autumnus (also an adjective, "autumnal"), perhaps a borrowing from Etruscan

Note: Ernout and Meillet (Dictionaire étymologique de la langue latine) regard an Etruscan origin as definite ("sans doute") and compare the form to Vertumnus/Vortumnus, claimed by Varro to be an Etruscan god. (The Romans regarded Vertumnus as a god of the changing seasons, by association with the verb vertere "to turn.")

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing autumn

• autumn crocus

Rhymes for autumn

• bottom
• scrotum

Kids Definition

autumn

noun

au·​tumn ˈȯt-əm 

1

: the season between summer and winter including in the northern hemisphere usually the months of September, October, and November

called also fall

2

: a time late in an existence

in the autumn of life

autumnal

ȯ-ˈtəm-nəl 

adjective