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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The harvest moon is the full moon that is closest to the autumnal equinox. — Alexiah Syrai Olsen, Idaho Statesman, 3 Sep. 2026 Heading a bit farther north (40 minutes by car) to the Pachaug State Forest will afford even more chances to soak in a bevy of autumnal hues. — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026 This year, the first day of fall, also known as the autumnal equinox, is set to happen later in September. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 Standout picks include these autumnal Mary Jane shoes, which are going for just $18, and this Bluetooth speaker that’s an impressive 69 percent off. — Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for autumnal

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

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Autumnal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autumnal. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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autumnal

adjective

Examples of autumnal in a Sentence

Word History

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