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

Derived Forms

• ˌmatuˈtinally, adverb

Other Words From

• ma·tuti·nal·ly 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

"'Twill be the change of air makes Sir Rowland matutinal," said Diana, making a gallant recovery from her agitation.

From Project Gutenberg

At the moment when they disappeared in the forest, the owl uttered its matutinal cry, the precursor of sunrise.

From Project Gutenberg

The same is true for the most part of matutinal erections, the precise cause of which is not yet determined.

From Project Gutenberg

These congress meetings did not begin before eleven, so that for those who were active time for matutinal exercise was allowed.

From Project Gutenberg

One of his peculiar emblems was a cock, by the means of whose matutinal song he was supposed to announce the approach of the dawn.

From Project Gutenberg