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

Who will Moore face in autumnal election? — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 24 June 2026

Amy Clipston’s upcoming book is sure to satisfy all of your autumnal cravings. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 6 Apr. 2026

Apple and pecan, a decidedly autumnal pairing, gets a fresh, bright update with the addition of carrot cake. — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2026

Lindsay/Josh were autumnal; their relationship was drying up, past the heat and excitement of summer. — Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 6 May 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