matutinal

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

adjective

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

Origin of matutinal

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 -ine¹) + -ālis -al¹

Other words from matutinal

ma·tu·ti·nal·ly, adverb

Words Nearby matutinal

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use matutinal in a sentence

"'Twill be the change of air makes Sir Rowland matutinal," said Diana, making a gallant recovery from her agitation.
Mistress Wilding | Rafael Sabatini
At the moment when they disappeared in the forest, the owl uttered its matutinal cry, the precursor of sunrise.
The Border Rifles | Gustave Aimard
The same is true for the most part of matutinal erections, the precise cause of which is not yet determined.
The Sexual Life of the Child | Albert Moll
These congress meetings did not begin before eleven, so that for those who were active time for matutinal exercise was allowed.
Orley Farm | Anthony Trollope
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.
Traditions, Superstitions and Folk-lore | Charles Hardwick

British Dictionary definitions for matutinal

matutinal

/ (ˌmætjʊˈtaɪnəl) /

adjective

of, occurring in, or during the morning

Origin of matutinal

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

Derived forms of matutinal

matutinally, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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