Theme: Start of Fall

Celebrate the beginning of autumn with nine words connected to cooler weather, seasonal traditions, changing landscapes, and the September equinox.

9 themed words All 26 letters covered Vowels shown in gold Consonants hidden in blue
1
  A   E
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  1. It is a network of paths designed to confuse or challenge.
  2. It is often found at autumn festivals and farms.
  3. You try to find your way from the entrance to the exit.
  4. Cornfields are sometimes shaped into one during fall.
Reveal answer
M A Z E
Background information
Mazes are popular fall attractions, especially when created in cornfields after crops mature.
2
  A     E  
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  1. It is worn over other clothing.
  2. It helps keep you comfortable when temperatures drop.
  3. Lightweight versions are useful on crisp autumn days.
  4. It often comes out of the closet as summer ends.
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J A C K E T
Background information
Cooler autumn temperatures often make jackets useful again after the warmer summer months.
3
  O     I   E
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  1. It is a large controlled outdoor fire.
  2. People may gather around it for warmth and conversation.
  3. It is especially inviting on cool evenings.
  4. Its flames and glowing embers are associated with autumn gatherings.
Reveal answer
B O N F I R E
Background information
Bonfires have long been part of seasonal gatherings, celebrations, and cool-weather social events.
4
  A     I   E
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  1. It is a seasonal outdoor activity often offered at farms.
  2. Passengers travel together on a wagon.
  3. It is especially popular during autumn festivals.
  4. A fall outing on a wagon through fields or countryside.
Reveal answer
H A Y R I D E
Background information
Hayrides are a familiar autumn farm and festival activity, often taking visitors through fields or countryside.
5
  O   I A   E
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  1. It refers collectively to the leaves of plants and trees.
  2. Its changing colors are a major attraction in autumn.
  3. Red, orange, and yellow are common seasonal shades.
  4. People often travel to scenic areas to see it in fall.
Reveal answer
F O L I A G E
Background information
Autumn foliage changes color as chlorophyll breaks down, revealing other pigments in leaves.
6
  A     E    
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  1. It is the gathering of mature crops.
  2. It traditionally marks the reward for a growing season.
  3. Many autumn festivals celebrate it.
  4. Apples, pumpkins, and grains are commonly associated with it.
Reveal answer
H A R V E S T
Background information
Autumn is traditionally harvest season for many crops in temperate regions.
7
  U       I  
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  1. It is a round squash commonly seen in autumn.
  2. It can be used in pies, soups, and seasonal drinks.
  3. It is often carved around Halloween.
  4. A round orange squash strongly associated with fall and Halloween.
Reveal answer
P U M P K I N
Background information
Pumpkins mature in late summer and fall and have become enduring symbols of the autumn season.
8
    E A   E  
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  1. It is a knitted garment worn on the upper body.
  2. It provides warmth in cooler weather.
  3. It becomes especially useful as autumn temperatures fall.
  4. Cozy versions are strongly associated with fall wardrobes.
Reveal answer
S W E A T E R
Background information
Sweaters are a staple of cool-weather clothing and are closely associated with the transition into autumn.
9
E   U I   O  
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  1. It is an astronomical event that occurs twice each year.
  2. Day and night are approximately equal in length around this event.
  3. One occurrence happens in September in the Northern Hemisphere.
  4. The event when day and night are nearly equal, marking the start of fall.
Reveal answer
E Q U I N O X
Background information
The September equinox marks the astronomical beginning of fall in the Northern Hemisphere.

Start of Fall Trivia

🍂 Changing Colors
As days shorten and temperatures cool, chlorophyll breaks down in many leaves, allowing yellow and orange pigments to become more visible.
⚖️ Nearly Equal
Around the equinox, day and night are approximately equal in length, although the split is not exactly 12 hours everywhere.
🎃 Autumn Icon
Pumpkins are native to the Americas and have become strongly associated with fall harvests and Halloween traditions.
🌾 Harvest Season
Fall has traditionally been an important harvest period in many temperate farming regions, inspiring numerous seasonal festivals.