adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of autumnal
From the Latin word autumnālis, dating back to 1630–40. See autumn, -al 1
Explanation
Anything autumnal has to do with autumn: the fall season. Pumpkins are a popular autumnal food. This word has to do with anything related to or associated with autumn. Sweater weather is autumnal. Pumpkin spice tea is autumnal. Leaves changing colors are autumnal. Halloween is an autumnal holiday. If you feel a chill in the air in August, you could say that's a sign of autumnal weather coming. Because of the mild weather, many people enjoy autumnal weather more than any other season's weather.
Vocabulary lists containing autumnal
Words to Know Before You Defrost the Bird
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Vocabulary from Readings 2, Unit 1
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Vocabulary from Readings 2, Unit 1
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The mother of two highlighted one key ingredient that she plans to use for the autumnal holiday this year: sage, which she noted is found growing throughout the lush gardens at the Sussexes’ property.
From MarketWatch ● Dec. 4, 2025
Eight months on from the England embarrassment, it was the Springboks squad belting out their celebration tune on an autumnal Saturday night in Cardiff.
From BBC ● Nov. 30, 2025
Or added to chicken stock to make an earthy autumnal soup.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 26, 2025
Such was the case with this pasta sauce packed with autumnal flavors like squash, pumpkin, maple syrup, apple and sage.
From Salon ● Nov. 18, 2025
As Ophie fell asleep the dead whispered, their ghostly voices carrying along Pennsy’s tracks over the distance, winding through autumnal forests and mountains, over rivers and through towns.
From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
