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

This year we could use a little vernal harmony as we emerge like moles into the sunlight after 12 months of shutdowns and loss.

From Time

The newly-vernal sun beat down hot last Friday afternoon in the Palestinian West Bank village of Bi'lin.

From The Daily Beast

Happy it was beyond any other time, except perhaps a few vernal days of boyhood, but it was unmarked by any incidents.

From Project Gutenberg

It took them nearly two hours to get there, as they rowed leisurely, and enjoyed the luxury of the vernal air.

From Project Gutenberg

When the vernal or autumnal storms delay to break, they are gathering strength; hoarding up their fury for more sure destruction.

From Project Gutenberg

We now begin to expect our vernal migration of ring-ousels every week.

From Project Gutenberg

Intergradation occurs with the latter subspecies at Vernal, Uintah County, in cranial measurements and in color.

From Project Gutenberg