Fall and autumn bring a season of vibrant colors, cozy moments, and the excitement of change. Itās a time when the air turns crisp, leaves crunch underfoot, and nature prepares for winterās rest. Whether itās the taste of warm apple cider, the sight of pumpkins on porches, or the scent of bonfires on cool nights, autumn is full of unique sights, sounds, and experiences. To capture the spirit of this beloved season, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of fall and autumn wordsāfrom seasonal foods and wildlife to weather and festivities. Perfect for classroom activities, creative writing, or simply to celebrate the season, these fall and autumn words will help you embrace everything that makes autumn special.

Table of Contents
- Nature and Scenery
- Weather
- Fall Activities
- Clothing and Accessories
- Fall Foods and Drinks
- Fall Vegetables and Fruits
- Animals in Fall
- Fall Smells and Scents
- Fall and Autumn Words from A-Z
- Fall and Autumn words that start with A
- Fall and Autumn words that start with B
- Fall and Autumn words that start with C
- Fall and Autumn words that start with D
- Fall and Autumn words that start with E
- Fall and Autumn words that start with F
- Fall and Autumn words that start with G
- Fall and Autumn words that start with H
- Fall and Autumn words that start with I
- Fall and Autumn words that start with J
- Fall and Autumn words that start with K
- Fall and Autumn words that start with L
- Fall and Autumn words that start with M
- Fall and Autumn words that start with N
- Fall and Autumn words that start with O
- Fall and Autumn words that start with P
- Fall and Autumn words that start with Q
- Fall and Autumn words that start with R
- Fall and Autumn words that start with S
- Fall and Autumn words that start with T
- Fall and Autumn words that start with U
- Fall and Autumn words that start with V
- Fall and Autumn words that start with W
- Fall and Autumn words that start with X
- Fall and Autumn words that start with Y
- Fall and Autumn words that start with Z
- Explore Learning Activities for Fall
Nature and Scenery
- Acorn
- Bark
- Branch
- Breeze
- Brook
- Cliff
- Creek
- Fallen leaves
- Field
- Forest
- Grove
- Harvest
- Lake
- Leaves
- Meadow
- Moss
- Orchard
- Pinecone
- River
- Stream
- Sunset
- Tree
- Vine
- Waterfall
- Woods
Weather
- Blustery
- Brisk
- Chilly
- Cloudy
- Crisp
- Dew
- Drizzle
- Fog
- Frost
- Gust
- Mist
- Overcast
- Rain
- Sleet
- Thunder
- Wind
Fall Activities
- Apple picking
- Baking
- Bonfire
- Camping
- Carving pumpkins
- Corn maze
- Hayride
- Hiking
- Leaf peeping
- Raking leaves
- Scarecrow building
- Tailgating
- Trick-or-treating
Clothing and Accessories
- Beanie
- Boots
- Cardigan
- Coat
- Fleece
- Flannel
- Gloves
- Jacket
- Mittens
- Scarf
- Socks
- Sweater
- Vest
Fall Foods and Drinks
- Apple cider
- Apple pie
- Butternut squash
- Caramel apple
- Casserole
- Chili
- Cranberry
- Hot cocoa
- Pecan pie
- Pumpkin bread
- Pumpkin pie
- Roasted chestnuts
- Soup
- Stew
- Sweet potato
- Turkey
Fall Vegetables and Fruits
- Acorn squash
- Apples
- Beets
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cranberries
- Figs
- Grapes
- Kale
- Pears
- Persimmons
- Pomegranates
- Pumpkins
- Sweet potatoes
- Turnips
Animals in Fall
- Chipmunk
- Deer
- Fox
- Hedgehog
- Owl
- Rabbit
- Raccoon
- Squirrel
- Turkey
- Woodpecker
Fall Smells and Scents
- Apple spice
- Campfire
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Earthy
- Nutmeg
- Pine
- Pumpkin spice
- Smoke
- Woodsy
Fall and Autumn Words from A-Z
Fall and Autumn words that start with A
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Acorn | The nut of an oak tree, often associated with fall and wildlife. |
Apple | A fruit that is commonly harvested in the fall and used in many seasonal recipes. |
Aroma | A pleasant smell; many fall foods and spices have strong aromas. |
Aromatic | Having a strong, pleasant smell; many fall foods and spices are aromatic. |
Art | Creative works, such as paintings or crafts, often made using autumn themes. |
Atmosphere | The mood or feeling of a place, which can change with the colors and scents of fall. |
Autumn | The season between summer and winter, characterized by falling leaves and cooler temperatures. |
Appreciation | A feeling of thankfulness; often emphasized during fall holidays like Thanksgiving. |
Fall and Autumn words that start with B
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Baked | A cooking method often used for making seasonal treats like pies and breads. |
Barn | A large building used for storing farm animals or equipment, often associated with fall harvests. |
Bounty | An abundance of crops or harvest, typically celebrated during the autumn season. |
Bonfire | A large outdoor fire, often used for warmth and celebration during fall gatherings. |
Broom | A cleaning tool traditionally associated with witches, often seen in Halloween decorations. |
Brown | A color commonly associated with autumn leaves and harvest time. |
Bush | A plant that often changes color in fall, adding to the seasonal scenery. |
Fall and Autumn words that start with C
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Candy | Sweets often enjoyed during Halloween and fall festivities. |
Caramel | A sweet sauce made from heated sugar, popular for fall desserts. |
Cider | A drink made from pressed apples, often enjoyed warm in the fall. |
Corn | A common crop harvested in the fall, often used in decorations and food. |
Cornucopia | A symbol of abundance, often filled with fruits and vegetables, associated with harvest time. |
Crisp | A cool, refreshing quality often felt in the air during autumn. |
Colors | The vibrant hues of leaves that change in the fall, including reds, oranges, and yellows. |
Costume | Clothing worn for Halloween celebrations, often featuring spooky themes. |
Fall and Autumn words that start with D
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Decor | Items used to enhance the appearance of homes or spaces during the fall season. |
Decoration | Ornamental items placed to celebrate autumn holidays, like pumpkins and leaves. |
Deer | A common wildlife species seen during autumn, often associated with hunting season. |
Dusk | The time of day when the sun sets, often bringing cooler temperatures and longer shadows in fall. |
Dried | Referring to leaves or fruits that have lost moisture, commonly used in fall decorations. |
Drop | Refers to leaves falling from trees, a common sight in autumn. |
Dust | Fine particles that can settle on surfaces, often stirred up by winds in the fall. |
Fall and Autumn words that start with E
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Ears | The fluffy, corn-like tops of corn plants that are harvested in the fall. |
Earthy | Describes the rich, natural colors and scents associated with the autumn season. |
Ember | A glowing piece of wood or coal in a dying fire, often seen during fall bonfires. |
Equinox | The time in autumn when day and night are of equal length, marking the start of fall. |
Evening | The time of day when daylight fades, often bringing cooler temperatures in fall. |
Evergreens | Trees that retain their green leaves throughout the year, providing contrast to autumn colors. |
Fall and Autumn words that start with F
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Fall | The season between summer and winter, known for cooler weather and colorful leaves. |
Feast | A large meal or celebration, often in honor of the harvest season. |
Foliage | The leaves of trees and plants, especially when they change color in autumn. |
Forest | A dense area filled with trees, often showcasing vibrant autumn colors. |
Frost | A thin layer of ice that forms on surfaces when temperatures drop at night. |
Fruit | Edible products of plants that ripen in the fall, like apples and pears. |
Fall and Autumn words that start with G
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Garden | A piece of ground where plants, flowers, and vegetables are cultivated. |
Gourd | A type of fruit with a hard shell, often used for decoration in the fall. |
Gratitude | A feeling of thankfulness, often expressed during the fall season. |
Groundcover | Low-growing plants that cover the ground, often colorful in autumn. |
Greenery | Fresh leaves and plants, often seen as they change colors in fall. |
Goosebumps | A sensation of cold or fear that can occur in chilly autumn weather. |
Granola | A crunchy snack often made with oats and nuts, popular during fall outings. |
Fall and Autumn words that start with H
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Hay | Grass that has been cut and dried, often used for animal bedding or decoration. |
Harvest | The process of gathering mature crops from the fields in the autumn. |
Halloween | A holiday celebrated on October 31st, marked by costumes and trick-or-treating. |
Hearth | The floor of a fireplace, often associated with warmth and gatherings during fall. |
Hibernation | A state of inactivity that some animals enter to conserve energy during the colder months. |
Hot cider | A warm drink made from pressed apples, often enjoyed in the fall. |
Fall and Autumn words that start with I
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Ice | Frozen water, often seen in the form of frost in autumn as temperatures drop. |
Igloo | A dome-shaped shelter made of ice or snow, often associated with cold weather. |
Immature | Not fully developed; in autumn, this can refer to fruits or plants that are not yet ripe. |
Insects | Small creatures that can be seen more frequently before they become less active in colder months. |
Ivy | A climbing plant often seen on walls and fences, known for its vibrant green leaves in the fall. |
Indulgence | The act of enjoying special foods or treats during the fall season, especially during holidays. |
Invitation | A request for someone to join in a gathering or celebration, common during autumn festivities. |
Fall and Autumn words that start with J
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Jam | A sweet spread made from cooked fruit and sugar, often enjoyed during fall. |
Jar | A container used for preserving fruits or vegetables, commonly used in canning during autumn. |
Jigsaw puzzle | A game made of many pieces that create a picture, popular for indoor activities during chilly fall days. |
Jumper | A knitted garment worn for warmth, often needed as temperatures drop in autumn. |
Juniper | A type of evergreen shrub or tree with aromatic berries, often used in fall decorations. |
Jamboree | A festive celebration or gathering, often held in autumn. |
Juice | A liquid extracted from fruits or vegetables, often made in the fall from seasonal produce. |
Jonquil | A type of flowering plant, typically associated with spring, but sometimes planted in fall. |
Fall and Autumn words that start with K
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Kale | A leafy green vegetable that is often harvested in the fall. |
Kernel | The edible part of a seed or grain, commonly found in autumn crops like corn. |
Kettle | A container used for boiling water, often used for making warm beverages in cooler months. |
Kettle corn | A sweet and crunchy popcorn treat that is popular at fall festivals. |
Kickoff | The start of a football season, often celebrated in autumn with games and gatherings. |
Kindling | Small pieces of wood or other material used to start a fire, often collected during fall for bonfires. |
Kringle | A type of pastry that is popular in autumn, especially during fall festivals. |
Fall and Autumn words that start with L
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Leaf | A flat, green part of a plant that often changes color in autumn. |
Leaf pile | A collection of fallen leaves that can be jumped in or used for composting. |
Lantern | A portable light source often used for Halloween decorations or autumn festivals. |
Lattes | A popular coffee drink often enjoyed during the cooler autumn months. |
Legumes | A type of plant that produces pods, often harvested in the fall. |
Long johns | Warm undergarments worn during colder autumn days. |
Lollipop | A sweet treat that can be associated with fall festivities, especially for Halloween. |
Fall and Autumn words that start with M
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Maize | Another term for corn, often harvested in the fall. |
Maple | A type of tree known for its colorful leaves in autumn and its sweet sap. |
Migration | The seasonal movement of animals, such as birds, to warmer regions in autumn. |
Mums | Short for chrysanthemums, flowers commonly seen in fall gardens. |
Moonlight | The light of the moon, often associated with autumn nights. |
Muffins | Baked goods that are popular for breakfast or snacks in the fall. |
Mulled cider | Warm apple cider spiced with cinnamon and other flavors, enjoyed in autumn. |
Fall and Autumn words that start with N
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Nature | The natural world, especially as it relates to the changing seasons in autumn. |
Nibble | To take small bites of food, often enjoyed during the harvest season. |
Nuts | Hard-shelled fruits that fall from trees, commonly gathered in autumn. |
Nourishment | Food that provides sustenance, often associated with hearty fall meals. |
November | The eleventh month of the year, marking the transition into winter. |
Nightfall | The time of day when it gets dark, often bringing the chilly autumn evenings. |
Nostalgia | A sentimental longing for the past, often evoked by the sights and smells of autumn. |
Fall and Autumn words that start with O
Word | Definition |
---|---|
October | The tenth month of the year, often associated with fall festivals and harvests. |
Oats | A type of grain often harvested in the fall and used in various foods. |
Orchard | A piece of land where fruit trees are grown, often vibrant with color in autumn. |
Outdoor | Activities or events that take place outside, popular during the cooler fall months. |
Overcast | A sky covered with clouds, often seen during the fall season. |
Owl | A nocturnal bird often associated with autumn and Halloween themes. |
Fall and Autumn words that start with P
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Paint | To apply color to objects, often used in fall-themed arts and crafts. |
Palette | A range of colors used in fall decorations and art projects. |
Pumpkin | A large, round orange fruit often carved for Halloween or used in pies. |
Pinecone | The seed-bearing structure of pine trees, commonly found in autumn. |
Plow | To turn over soil in preparation for planting crops in the fall. |
Plush | A soft, fuzzy fabric often used in autumn-themed decorations and toys. |
Preserve | To keep fruits or vegetables, like apple butter or jam, for winter use. |
Prepare | To get ready for the upcoming winter season during autumn. |
Puddle | A small pool of water often seen after autumn rain. |
Fall and Autumn words that start with Q
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Quaint | Something charmingly old-fashioned, often describing fall scenery or decorations. |
Quench | To satisfy thirst, often with warm fall beverages like cider. |
Quest | An adventure or journey, which can feel like a fall hike through the woods. |
Quiescent | A state of inactivity or rest, reflecting the calm nature of fall. |
Quilt | A warm, layered blanket often used during the chilly autumn months. |
Quince | A yellow, pear-like fruit that is harvested in the fall. |
Quiet | The peaceful and calm atmosphere often associated with fall mornings. |
Quiver | A slight trembling movement, like leaves quivering in the autumn breeze. |
Fall and Autumn words that start with R
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Rain | Water falling from the sky, often common in autumn. |
Rake | A tool used to gather fallen leaves in the fall season. |
Reflection | The image seen in water, often of fall foliage in lakes and ponds. |
Resplendent | Brightly shining; often used to describe the vibrant fall colors of leaves. |
Roast | To cook food, especially chestnuts or marshmallows, often enjoyed in fall. |
Rustle | The soft, crackling sound of dry leaves moving in the breeze. |
Russet | A reddish-brown color often seen in autumn leaves and landscapes. |
Rye | A type of grain harvested in the fall, often used in bread and whiskey. |
Fall and Autumn words that start with S
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Scarecrow | A figure made to resemble a person, placed in fields to scare away birds. |
Season | A period of the year; fall is known for its cool weather and harvests. |
September | The month that marks the beginning of fall in the Northern Hemisphere. |
Spice | Aromatic substances used to flavor food, common in fall cooking. |
Squirrel | A small rodent known for gathering nuts in the fall. |
Sweater | A warm garment often worn during the cooler fall months. |
Sweater Weather | A term used to describe the cool, crisp temperatures of fall. |
Sycamore | A type of tree that often turns vibrant colors in the fall. |
Fall and Autumn words that start with T
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Tailgate | A social gathering around a vehicle, often before sports events in fall. |
Tart | A baked dessert with a sweet or savory filling, often enjoyed in fall. |
Tawny | A warm, orange-brown color reminiscent of fall foliage. |
Temperature | The cool or crisp weather often experienced during the fall season. |
Thick sweater | A warm, cozy garment worn during cool fall days. |
Thistle | A prickly plant that blooms in late summer and fall. |
Trail | A path through nature, often used for hiking during fall. |
Turtleneck | A type of sweater with a high, rolled collar, popular in fall fashion. |
Twine | Strong string often used in crafts and fall decorations. |
Twig | A small branch or stick, commonly seen after leaves fall. |
Toasty | Warm and comfortable, a feeling often associated with fall evenings. |
Fall and Autumn words that start with U
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Umbrella | A device used for protection against rain, often needed during fall showers. |
Unwind | To relax and de-stress, often enjoyed during cozy fall evenings. |
Uncovered | Describes fields or gardens after the harvest, with crops no longer present. |
Understory | The layer of vegetation beneath the main canopy of trees, noticeable in fall. |
Unwind | To relax and take a break, something often enjoyed during cool fall weekends. |
Upcycle | The practice of reusing items creatively, popular during fall craft activities. |
Uproot | To pull plants out of the ground, often done at the end of the growing season. |
Utensils | Tools used for eating or cooking fall meals, such as soups and stews. |
Fall and Autumn words that start with V
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Vanilla | A flavor often used in fall desserts and baking, like cookies and cakes. |
Vantage | A place or position that provides a good view of fall landscapes. |
Vegetables | Seasonal produce harvested in the fall, like squash, pumpkins, and root veggies. |
Velvet | A soft, warm fabric often used in fall clothing and decor. |
Verdant | Describes lush greenery that can still be seen before leaves change color. |
Vermilion | A bright red-orange color resembling fall leaves. |
Vineyard | A place where grapes are grown, often harvested in the fall season. |
Vivid | Bright and intense, often describing the rich fall colors. |
Voyage | A journey or trip, like those taken to enjoy fall festivals and scenic drives. |
Fall and Autumn words that start with W
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Warmth | A cozy feeling often associated with fall fires, blankets, and sweaters. |
Weather | The changing conditions, often cooler, windy, and rainy during autumn. |
Wheat | A grain harvested in the fall, used for making bread and other foods. |
Wind | The crisp breeze commonly felt during the fall season. |
Windbreaker | A light jacket worn to protect against fall’s cool breezes. |
Woods | Forest areas that change colors and drop leaves in autumn. |
Wool | A warm fabric commonly used in fall clothing like sweaters and scarves. |
Wreath | A decorative ring of leaves, flowers, or branches often used in fall decor. |
Wisp | A small, thin piece of something, like smoke or fog in the fall air. |
Woodpile | A stack of wood ready for burning in fireplaces during fall. |
Fall and Autumn words that start with X
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Xanadu | A place of great beauty or luxury, often used metaphorically to describe fall scenery. |
X-factor | A unique quality that makes something special, like the crisp air of fall. |
Xenial | Relating to hospitality, often seen during fall gatherings and celebrations. |
Xenodochial | Friendly to strangers, reflecting the welcoming spirit of fall festivities. |
Xeric | Relating to dry environments, sometimes used for fall settings with dry leaves. |
Xylograph | An engraving on wood, reflecting the rustic feel of fall decor. |
Xylophone | A musical instrument sometimes associated with seasonal fall music or performances. |
Xystus | An outdoor garden path, often lined with autumnal trees or foliage. |
Fall and Autumn words that start with Y
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Yellow | A color often associated with the changing leaves during the fall season. |
Yarn | A thread used for knitting or weaving, commonly used in fall crafting projects. |
Yarrow | A flowering plant that can be found in fields during the autumn months. |
Yearning | A feeling of longing or desire, often felt during the reflective autumn season. |
Yield | To produce or provide, often referring to the harvest of crops in the fall. |
Yule | A festival celebrating the winter solstice, often associated with fall traditions. |
Yummy | A term to describe delicious food, especially fall treats like pies and cider. |
Fall and Autumn words that start with Z
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Zephyr | A gentle breeze, often felt during the cooler autumn months. |
Zenith | The highest point, which can refer to the peak of autumn colors in nature. |
Zest | The outer peel of citrus fruits, often used to add flavor to fall recipes. |
Zinnia | A colorful flower that blooms in late summer and fall gardens. |
Zombie | A popular figure in Halloween folklore, often depicted as a reanimated corpse. |
Zucchini | A summer squash that is often harvested in the fall and used in various dishes. |
Autumn is more than just a season; itās a time of transformation, celebration, and reflection. The fall and autumn words that define the season help us connect with its magic, whether weāre describing the vivid hues of changing leaves or the warmth of a cozy sweater on a chilly day. From outdoor adventures to comforting home rituals, each term in this list captures a small piece of what makes autumn a favorite time of year for so many. Use these fall and autumn words to inspire your writing, enrich your classroom lessons, or simply immerse yourself in the beauty of the season. No matter how you choose to enjoy autumn, let these words bring its spirit to life!
Explore Learning Activities for Fall
Fall and Autumn Words

The Life Cycle of a Pumpkin

Preschool Themes for Fall

Pumpkin Patch Phonological and Phonemic Awareness

Prepare a Montessori Classroom Feast

Free Printable: November Idea Book

Pumpkin Patch Fun

Free Printable: October Idea Book

Thanksgiving in Our Class

Learning About Leaves

November Printables

November Fine Motor Shelf

Gabrielle Kotkov is an AMI-trained 3-6 Montessorian and educational consultant. She has a Master's Degree in Child Studies and is certified in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). She is particularly interested in the intersection between Montessori education and multilingualism, which led her to create the Multilingual Montessori website and podcast. Gabrielle has taught in schools in NYC, Sicily, London, and Austin, and is currently on the teaching faculty of the West Side Montessori School Teacher Education Program, an AMS training center in NYC.