indian summer
Noun: 1. A period of unusually warm and dry weather occurring in late autumn, typically after the first frost: This term refers to a meteorological phenomenon characterized by unseasonably warm temperatures and clear skies during the fall season, often following a period of colder weather. 2. A late period of happiness, success, or productivity, especially in someone's life or career: This is a figurative extension of the term, used to describe a pleasant or successful time occurring late in a process or lifetime.
- Noun (Meteorological):
- We're enjoying a beautiful Indian summer this October; it feels like summer again.
- The forecast predicts an Indian summer, with temperatures rising into the 80s next week.
- Noun (Figurative):
- After retiring, he experienced an Indian summer of creativity, writing his best novels.
- The band's final tour was an Indian summer, reminding everyone of their former glory.
- "to have/enjoy an Indian summer": to experience a period of warm autumn weather or a late resurgence.
- The region often has an Indian summer, extending the growing season.
- The actress enjoyed an Indian summer of her career with several award-winning roles in her sixties.
- St. Martin's summer: (noun) A chiefly British term for a period of warm weather in late autumn, often around St. Martin's Day (November 11th). It is synonymous with "Indian summer" in its meteorological sense.
- Second summer: (noun, informal) A less common synonym for a late warm spell in autumn.
- Late warmth: (noun phrase) A simple descriptive term for warm weather late in the season.
- Autumnal warmth: (noun phrase) Warmth specifically associated with the fall season.
- Renascence: (noun) For the figurative sense, meaning a revival or renewed activity.
- "A late bloom": (idiom) Similar to the figurative sense, suggesting development or success that comes later than usual.
- His artistic talent was a late bloom, much like an Indian summer.
The term "Indian summer" is specific to North American English in origin, though it is understood in other varieties of English. Its figurative use is common and widely accepted. The exact meteorological criteria (e.g., how warm, how late) are not strictly defined.
- a period of unusually warm weather in the autumn