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

Derived Forms

• ˈvernally, adverb

Other Words From

• vernal·ly 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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From 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.

From Salon

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

From 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.

From Los Angeles Times