autumnal

adjective

au·​tum·​nal ȯ-ˈtəm-nəl How to pronounce autumnal (audio)
: 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 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 Many here are as enthusiastic about the autumnal fruit as its country pumpkin mayor. Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 23 Oct. 2024 The trek to the peak feels like walking through an autumnal wonderland while the views of the city from the top, dotted with fall foliage, are otherworldly. Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 Stick with an autumnal color palette for an elegant display. Build a Runner A table runner can be delightfully no-frills, particularly when paired with a rustic wood table. Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2024 Día de Muertos, an autumnal tradition, invites the dead back to the world of the living. John Paul Brammer, Bon Appétit, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for autumnal 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'autumnal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of autumnal was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near autumnal

Cite this Entry

“Autumnal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autumnal. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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