adjective
Other Word Forms
- autumnally adverb
- unautumnal adjective
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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Vocabulary from Readings 2, Unit 1
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Vocabulary from Readings 2, Unit 1
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
As usual, UK heritage was evident in the oversized checked overcoats in muted autumnal shades, alongside punk tailoring and some very interesting headwear.
From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026
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
Or added to chicken stock to make an earthy autumnal soup.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 26, 2025
“People go from Halloween to Christmas and don’t do much in terms of decorating for that big autumnal celebration in between.”
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 2025
Sitting at the window, Beth’s work often dropped into her lap, and she leaned her head upon her hand, in a dejected attitude, while her eyes rested on the dull, autumnal landscape.
From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
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.
