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 same goes for Blackberry & Bay (as in, bay leaves), lending to a more autumnal fruity scent. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 31 July 2026 The new Nike Air Max 90 in Shadow Brown/Buff/Gum Light Brown appears tailor made for autumnal vibes with its drab, earthy palette of browns. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 26 July 2026 Snag the White, Ivory, or Gray for a neutral look or prepare your bed for fall with one of the autumnal colorways, like Chocolate, Midnight, or Loden. — Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2026 There are throw pillows in floral prints, cozy jacquard throw blankets, marble catchall dishes, faux fall floral arrangements and autumnal still life prints, among other picks exciting us ahead of the new season. — ABC News, 22 July 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 3 Aug. 2026.

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autumnal

adjective

Examples of autumnal in a Sentence

Word History

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