autumn

[aw-tuhm]

noun

1. the season between summer and winter; fall. In the Northern Hemisphere it is from the September equinox to the December solstice; in the Southern Hemisphere it is from the March equinox to the June solstice.

2. a time of full maturity, especially the late stages of full maturity or, sometimes, the early stages of decline.

   to be in the autumn of one's life.

autumn

/ ˈɔːtəm /

noun

1. (sometimes capital)

   1. Also called (esp US): fall. the season of the year between summer and winter, astronomically from the September equinox to the December solstice in the N hemisphere and from the March equinox to the June solstice in the S hemisphere

   2. ( as modifier )

      autumn leaves

2. a period of late maturity, esp one followed by a decline

Word History and Origins

Origin of autumn¹

1325–75; < Latin autumnus; replacing Middle English autumpne < Middle French autompne < Latin

Word History and Origins

Origin of autumn¹

C14: from Latin autumnus, perhaps of Etruscan origin

Example Sentences

The UK had its hottest summer on record but there is no doubt that the start of meteorological autumn has brought a big change.

From BBC

These are only some of the high-stake tests facing Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as parliament returns for the autumn sitting on Monday.

From BBC

The nights are drawing in, the tans are fading and we all need a bit of sparkle in our lives as we head into autumn.

From BBC

The Bank of England has said the new levy on retailers to reduce packaging waste could drive food prices higher this autumn.

From BBC

Whilst these wind speeds are fairly typical for an autumn storm like this, trees are still in full leaf, which may increase the chance of branches or small tress coming down.

From BBC