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 BMA and the government have been in dialogue throughout the summer and early autumn since the last walkout at the end of July, but talks broke down earlier this month.

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Natural cues are key, with autumn’s initial precipitation generally triggering the march.

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In its autumn conference, Plaid Cymru announced it would offer at least 20 hours' free childcare for 48 weeks a year to all children nine months to four years old by 2031.

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The cap for household energy prices increased 2% this autumn, even though the regulator noted that wholesale energy costs have fallen recently.

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The party also promised not to increase National Insurance - prompting a row last autumn when it announced a hike in the contributions paid by employers.

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