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

According to producers, the movie is being made with the support and blessing of the (Steve) Marriott and (Ronnie) Lane Estates and is due to go into production in autumn 2026. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2026

That’s why Paul and Lynn Zelevansky (77 and 76, respectively), visit the Venice Biennale in autumn, rather than at the May opening, to avoid the worst of the crowds. —Stacey Lastoe, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Mar. 2026

Wienerberger aims to have one kiln fully operational on hydrogen—or both partially converted—by autumn 2027. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 Mar. 2026

In the especially nasty autumn of 1954, women in June Cleaver dresses and gas masks protested outside the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. —Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 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