matutinal

[muh-toot-n-l, -tyoot-]

adjective

1. pertaining to or occurring in the morning; early in the day.

matutinal

/ ˌmætjʊˈtaɪnəl /

adjective

1. of, occurring in, or during the morning

Other Word Forms

• matutinally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of matutinal¹

First recorded in 1400–50; from Late Latin mātūtinālis “of, belonging to the morning, early,” equivalent to Latin mātūtīn(us) “of the morning” ( Mātūt(a) “goddess of dawn” + -īnus -ine ¹ ) + -ālis -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of matutinal¹

C17: from Late Latin mātūtīnālis, from Latin mātūtīnus, from Mātūta goddess of the dawn

Example Sentences

In one instance, he takes us right into the head of Woolsey, the judge, while he shaves, and only an endnote reveals that some of these matutinal thoughts are suppositions.

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The monarch was evidently in haste, having somewhat broken in on his matutinal habits in consequence of the late hour at which he had retired on the night before.

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It pleased Claud to imagine that the old earth was at her toilette—had just emerged, dripping, from her matutinal tub.

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This Sunday was no exception, and we had the usual matutinal volleys.

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In the autumn, whole broods may be seen by early risers taking their morning flight, and circling in the air for matutinal exercise, just like pigeons, when first let out of their locker.

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