I. ˈsēz ə n noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English sesoun, seisoun, from Old French saison, seson, from Latin sation-, satio action of sowing, from satus (past participle of serere to sow) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at sow
1.
a. : a time or period of time characterized or made significant by a particular feature, circumstance, or event
during this season of sorrow
b. : a suitable, fitting, or natural time or occasion : a proper conjuncture
this is not the season for such arguments
in due season you will understand
c. : a period not specifically limited but usually of short or moderate duration
agreed to wait for a season
d. : a particular point in a period of time or the course of events
at that season I could reach no decision
visitors and interruptions at all seasons
2. : a particular period of the year: as
a.
(1) : the annual period during which a plant produces its fruit, flower, or other economic part
the too brief strawberry season
(2) : the annual period in which an animal engages in some activity (as mating or migrating) or is available for hunting or food
during the mating season old bucks may be vicious
the season for oysters
also : estrus , heat
a single annual season
— usually used with in
as heifers come in season
b. : the period normally characterized by a particular kind of weather
a long rainy season
during the cold season
sometimes : inclement weather : a spell of damp or rainy weather
c. : the period during which a particular agricultural activity is commonly performed
the planting season
d. archaic : the period in which an organized body (as a court or university) is in session
e. : one of the divisions of the year marked by alterations in the length of day and night or by distinct conditions of temperature and moisture caused mainly by the relative position of the earth's axis with respect to the sun
f. : a period of the year set off or conceived of as set off by a particular and usually high level of activity in some field (as social, cultural, or business)
a good theatrical season
the height of the social season
the dull season that follows the holidays
also : the annual period when a place is most frequented for social activities or amusement
the London season lasts from May to July
g.
(1) : a brief annual period in which a particular holiday occurs ; especially : a period extending from shortly before Christmas through New Year's Day
sent out season ' s greeting
the busy rush of the holiday season
(2) : any of various periods in the Christian year commemorative chiefly of Christ's life (as Advent, Christmastide, Epiphany, Lent, Eastertide, Ascensiontide, Whitsuntide, Trinity)
3.
[Middle English sesoun, from sesounen, v.]
obsolete : something that gives relish : seasoning
4. archaic : a recurrent period in the course of heavenly bodies
5. seasons plural : years — used in reckoning age
a boy of seven seasons
6. : one of eight tiles whose use is optional in a Mah-Jongg game — called also flower
7. : the total schedule of games played or to be played by a sports team during a playing season ; also : the results of such a series of games
an unbeaten season
•
- in season
- in season and out of season
- out of season
II. verb
( seasoned ; seasoned ; seasoning -z( ə )niŋ ; seasons )
Etymology: Middle English sesounen, from Middle French assaisoner to ripen, make palatable by adding seasoning, from Old French, from a - (from Latin ad- ) + saison, seson season
transitive verb
1.
a. : to give (food) better flavor or more zest by adding seasoning or savory ingredients
likes to season the cheese with chives or anchovies — Jane Nickerson
also : to add seasoning to
season a dish too highly
b. : to render more agreeable (as by an addition of something)
seasoning our thoughts with laughter
also : to adapt to taste
c. archaic
(1) : to qualify by admixture : moderate , temper
when mercy seasons justice — Shakespeare
(2) : imbue , tinge
2. : to treat in such a manner or by such a process as will fit best to some end or use
season a pipe by careful smoking
as
a. obsolete : embalm
b. : to fit or prepare by time or habit : habituate , acclimatize
c. obsolete : discipline , train
d. : to prepare (lumber) for use by drying in the open air or in a kiln
intransitive verb
1. : to become seasoned ; especially : to become dry and hard by escape of the natural juices or by being penetrated with other substance
timber that seasons well in the open air
2. : to flavor food with seasoning or savory ingredients
season with sliced onions, leeks, tomatoes, paprika — J.D.Vehling
also : to add seasoning
season to taste
Synonyms: see harden