autumnal

Autumnal is an adjective describing anything related to autumn, the season between summer and winter. It can refer to weather, light, foliage, fragrances, or events associated with autumn. The term often conveys a sense of late-season character, maturity, or transition.

Etymology: From Latin autumnalis meaning “of autumn,” from autumnus meaning “autumn.” It entered English in the early modern period and is primarily used in formal or literary contexts; everyday speech tends to use autumn or fall, with autumnal reserved for a more elevated or poetic register.

Common usage: Autumnal colors describe warm red, orange, gold, and brown hues seen in foliage in temperate regions. The term also appears in references to autumnal weather—cooler temperatures, crisper air, shorter days. The autumnal equinox, typically around September 22 or 23 in the Northern Hemisphere, marks a seasonal boundary. Other contexts include autumnal fruits and harvests such as apples and pumpkins.

Cultural and literary usage: In literature and art, autumnal imagery is used to evoke change, aging, or the approach of winter. The word can carry a nostalgic or reflective tone, signaling a transition rather than a strictly meteorological description.