vernal

[vur-nl]

adjective

1. of or relating to spring.

   vernal sunshine.

2. appearing or occurring in spring.

   vernal migratory movements.

3. appropriate to or suggesting spring; springlike.

   vernal greenery.

4. belonging to or characteristic of youth.

   vernal longings.

   Synonyms: new, fresh, youthful

vernal

/ ˈvɜːnəl /

adjective

1. of or occurring in spring

2. poetic,  of or characteristic of youth; fresh

Other Word Forms

• vernally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of vernal¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin vernālis, equivalent to vern(us) “of spring” ( vēr “spring” + -nus adjective suffix) + -ālis -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of vernal¹

C16: from Latin vernālis, from vēr spring

Example Sentences

The odds also tend to increase around equinoxes — the vernal equinox occurred last week — due to a more favorable tilt in the Earth’s axis, Murtagh said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In the Northern Hemisphere, the vernal equinox will officially take place this Tuesday, March 19, at 11:06 p.m.

Read more on New York Times

Pretty much aligned with the vernal equinox, give or take a few days, St. Patrick’s Day lands just right on the calendar for a celebration.

Read more on Salon

More specifically, March 19, the spring, or vernal, equinox — also known as the first day of spring.

Read more on Seattle Times

The Central Valley historically had about 4 million acres of wetlands and riparian areas, forming a vast watery mosaic of marshes, vernal pools, rivers in braided channels and lakes fringed with tules and forests.

Read more on Los Angeles Times