vernal

American  

[vur-nl] / ˈvɜr nl /

adjective

1. of or relating to spring.

   vernal sunshine.

2. appearing or occurring in spring.

   vernal migratory movements.

3. appropriate to or suggesting spring; springlike.

   vernal greenery.

4. belonging to or characteristic of youth.

   vernal longings.

   Synonyms:

   new, fresh, youthful

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vernal British  

/ ˈvɜːnəl /

adjective

1. of or occurring in spring

2. poetic of or characteristic of youth; fresh

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Other Word Forms

• vernally adverb

Etymology

Origin of vernal

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin vernālis, equivalent to vern(us) “of spring” ( vēr “spring” + -nus adjective suffix) + -ālis -al ¹

Example Sentences

“Summer,” in full bloom, offers bursts of pink and orange while a spectrum of greens sets the stage for the vernal bounty.

From The Wall Street Journal

The season then runs until the vernal or spring equinox which in 2026 is Friday 20 March.

From BBC

The odds also tend to increase around equinoxes — the vernal equinox occurred last week — due to a more favorable tilt in the Earth’s axis, Murtagh said.

From Los Angeles Times

In the Northern Hemisphere, the vernal equinox will officially take place this Tuesday, March 19, at 11:06 p.m.

From New York Times

Pretty much aligned with the vernal equinox, give or take a few days, St. Patrick’s Day lands just right on the calendar for a celebration.

From Salon