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

Their unique petal arrangements come in many colors, shapes, and sizes, providing a spectacular display from summer until the first autumn frost. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 12 Apr. 2026

For warm weather without the peak summer crowds, visit Seattle in late spring or early fall; autumn also brings several art and music festivals to the city. —Scott Bay, Travel + Leisure, 10 Apr. 2026

For example, an uguisu (a nightingale, or bush warbler) sings in spring, asagao (morning glories) bloom in summer, a full moon is most beautiful in autumn, and the wind turns cold in winter. —Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 9 Apr. 2026

Pollinators frequent the showy blooms while songbirds are attracted to the autumn fruits. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 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