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

Be sure to plan your trip around mid-to-late October, when autumnal foliage is at its peak, and hit hiking trails that come alive with color, like the Croda da Lago Circuit and its reflective alpine lake, Lago di Federa. — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026

Lodging options include houseboats along the banks of the Kennebunk River with private rooftop decks for gazing at the autumnal views. — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

As days get shorter, there’s no need to worry about sunlight, watering, or pruning with these autumnal picks from Amazon. — Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Sep. 2026

An alternate silhouette of this Lavalliere-Cuff silhouette is also available in wine with gold lace detailing, leaning more autumnal with the colorscheme. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above