British English: Autumn American English: Fall Brits would never say 'Fall'.

American fall British Autumn neither of these speakers would ever use the other word from across the atlantic, although there would be many speakers from America and Britain who understand the different words to mean the same. Americans find it strange that we do not use the term fall to describe the leaves falling, and British speakers like the traditional word Autumn far too much to abandon it, It is likely to be one of the last words to succumb entirely to the American invasion via TV and hollywood.

This is a response to John's comments: John might be surprised to hear that ''autumn' isn't traditional at all, and that 'fall' actually originates in England. In the 17th/18th century, 'fall', the abbreviation of 'the fall of the leaves', was in widespread use throughout England. 'Fall' was the word for the season which the first English-speaking settlers took over to North America from the British Isles. It was only in later centuries that the Latin-based alternative 'autumn' grew in popularity in Britain and 'fall' gradually fell out of use. Meanwhile, over in the 'New World', Americans continued to use the 'old' word, 'fall'. By the way, the history of 'gotten' is similar. Many aspects of language which we consider to be American neologisms are actually relics of an older form of English. This is an answer to the OP's question: As the other members have explained, 'fall' is used by American English speakers and 'autumn' by British English speakers. Most British English speakers worldwide (including Australia, NZ, SA) are familiar with 'fall' from American media. Meanwhile, many American English speakers will occasionally use 'autumn' in certain contexts, for example, when talking about 'autumn colors' when the leaves change.

I am not surprised autumn is not traditionally English but it seems to have become common understanding or misunderstanding amongst non linguists i.e the ordinary person on the street, that it is the traditional English word (In Britain not British speaking countries). Yes I have heard some Americans say Autumn on the television. To describe the autumn colors.

Wonderful history below. I guess if Autumn comes from the Latin, it might be oldest :) . Interesting if the words waxed and waned over time and region.