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

Qiy Knee-High Riding Boots Another autumnal classic, knee-high riding boots are one of my mom’s go-to styles. — Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026

There’s also a creepy carnival, which is my favorite autumnal micro-trope (everyone say thank you, Ray Bradbury). — Hannah Whitten, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026

Featuring various pumpkin-forward combinations and other decadent fall flavors, these autumnal treats are perfect for this time of year. — Molly Burford, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026

The same goes for Blackberry & Bay (as in, bay leaves), lending to a more autumnal fruity scent. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 31 July 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