Autumn vs Fall

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

	Autumn	Fall
Meaning	The season between summer and winter when leaves fall from trees.	To drop down from a higher place to a lower one.
CEFR level	A1	A1
Part of speech	noun	verb
Usage notes	Use 'autumn' when speaking about the season, particularly in British English. In American English, 'fall' is more common. Avoid using it in formal scientific contexts.	Use 'fall' when discussing something dropping or losing balance. Avoid using in very formal contexts where 'descend' might be more appropriate.

Frequently asked questions: Autumn vs Fall

What's the difference between "Autumn" and "Fall"?

"Autumn" means: The season between summer and winter when leaves fall from trees. "Fall" means: To drop down from a higher place to a lower one.

When should I use "Autumn" and "Fall"?

They can all be used in everyday English.

Are "Autumn" and "Fall" the same CEFR level?

"Autumn" is at A1, "Fall" is at A1 on the CEFR scale.