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 As Ever founder went for an autumnal color scheme in shades of burgundy. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 Pair it with a striped tee and olive denim for an easy mix of autumnal color. — Christina Holevas, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026 Squash and sausage are a heroic autumnal pairing, especially in a weeknight-friendly pasta. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Oct. 2026 The crew played with camera angles to allay Lee’s fear that an autumnal tree might be reflected in the café window. — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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autumnal

adjective

Examples of autumnal in a Sentence

Word History

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