n.
- each of the four divisions of the year (spring, summer, autumn, and winter) marked by particular weather patterns and daylight hours.
▸the time of year when a particular fruit, vegetable, etc., is plentiful and in good condition.
- a period of the year characterized by an activity or event, especially a particular sport:
the football season.
▸
(the season)
the time of year traditionally marked by fashionable upper-class social events.
-
(usu. in phr. in season)
a period when a female mammal is ready to mate.
- archaic a proper or suitable time:
to everything there is a season.
▸an indefinite or unspecified period of time; a while.
v.
- add salt, herbs, or spices to (food).
- add an enlivening quality or feature to.
- keep (wood) so as to dry it for use as timber.
-
[as adj. seasoned]
accustomed to particular conditions; experienced.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. seson, from L. satio(n-) ‘sowing’, later ‘time of sowing’.