season

Short definition: The word season refers to a specific period of time, such as part of the year with certain weather, a stage in a series like a TV show or sport, or even a phase in someone’s life that feels temporary but meaningful.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word season? This word appears very often in daily English and can talk about weather, time, activities, or stages in life. A season can describe parts of the year like summer or winter, but it can also mean a particular period when something happens. You will hear it in conversations about climate, food, sports, TV shows, and personal experiences. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, with long definitions and realistic examples.

Forms: season, seasons, seasoned, seasoning
Related: seasonal adj., off-season n.
Syllable: sea-son

1. (Noun) One of the main parts of the year marked by weather patterns, daylight, and temperature changes.

   A season is a division of the year such as spring, summer, autumn, or winter. Each season has its own typical weather, temperature, and natural changes. People often plan clothing, travel, and activities around the season. This is the most common and literal meaning of the word.

   Spring is her favorite season because the weather feels fresh and comfortable.
   The rainy season makes the roads harder to travel.
   Winter is the coldest season in many parts of the world.

   Synonyms: time of year, part of the year, climatic period, weather cycle, annual phase, yearly period, climate phase, calendar period, natural cycle, yearly stage, climate season, annual season
   Antonyms: timeless period, random time, irregular phase, undefined period, unmarked time, non-cyclical time, timelessness, permanent state, constant condition, endless time, fixed state, steady phase

2. (Noun) A specific period when an activity, event, or product is most common or available.

   Season can also refer to a time when something happens regularly or is especially popular. This can include tourist season, hunting season, or sports season. During this time, activity levels are usually higher than normal. Outside this period, things may slow down or stop completely.

   Summer is the busiest season for tourism in the city.
   Football season brings excitement and crowds every weekend.
   Strawberries are cheapest during their natural season.

   Synonyms: peak period, active period, busy time, prime time, high season, operating period, event period, scheduled time, activity window, production period, availability phase, peak cycle
   Antonyms: off-season, low period, inactive time, downtime, slow period, quiet phase, break period, closed season, idle time, rest phase, lull, pause

3. (Noun) A stage or period in someone’s life or in a longer process.

   Season can describe a phase of life, emotion, or experience. People use it to talk about personal growth, challenges, or transitions. This meaning is more reflective and often emotional. It suggests that the period will eventually change.

   He went through a difficult season after losing his job.
   This season of her life is focused on learning and healing.
   Every relationship has its own seasons.

   Synonyms: phase, stage, period, chapter, time, cycle, stretch, era, passage, interval, moment, life phase
   Antonyms: permanence, stability, timelessness, unchanging state, constant condition, fixed phase, steady period, consistency, permanence stage, immobility, stagnation, standstill

4. (Verb) To add flavor or character to food, usually with spices or salt.

   To season means to improve the taste of food by adding salt, herbs, or spices. It can be done before, during, or after cooking. Proper seasoning helps balance flavors and make food more enjoyable. This meaning is very common in cooking and recipes.

   Remember to season the soup before serving it.
   She lightly seasoned the vegetables with salt and pepper.
   The chef knows exactly how to season meat for maximum flavor.

   Synonyms: flavor, spice, salt, add seasoning, enhance taste, garnish, marinate, enrich, dress, prepare, improve flavor, add herbs
   Antonyms: bland, leave plain, remove flavor, unseason, neutralize, strip flavor, wash out taste, dilute flavor, flatten taste, make tasteless, leave unflavored, weaken taste