season: Meaning and Definition of

sea•son

Pronunciation: (sē'zun), [key]
— n.
  1. one of the four periods of the year (spring, summer, autumn, and winter), beginning astronomically at an equinox or solstice, but geographically at different dates in different climates.
  2. a period of the year characterized by particular conditions of weather, temperature, etc.: the rainy season.
  3. a period of the year when something is best or available: the oyster season.
  4. a period of the year marked by certain conditions, activities, etc.: baseball season.
  5. a period of the year immediately before and after a special holiday or occasion: the Christmas season.
  6. a 162-game season.
    1. a period with reference to the total number of games to be played by a team:a 162-game season.
    2. a period with reference to the won-lost record of a team after it has completed its schedule:a .700 season.
  7. any period or time: in the season of my youth.
  8. a suitable, proper, fitting, or right time: This is not the season for frivolity.
  9. for a time, esp. a short time: He lived in Paris for a season.
  10. in enough time; sufficiently early: Applicants will be notified of our decision in good season.
  11. Asparagus is now in season.
    1. in the time or state for use, eating, etc.:Asparagus is now in season.
    2. in the period regulated by law, as for hunting and fishing.
    3. at the right time; opportunely.
    4. (of an animal, esp. female) in a state of readiness for mating; in heat.
    5. in good season.
  12. regardless of time or season; at all times: Misfortunes plague this family in season and out of season.
  13. not in season: The price is so high because lilacs are out of season now.
—v.t.
  1. to heighten or improve the flavor of (food) by adding condiments, spices, herbs, or the like.
  2. to give relish or a certain character to: conversation seasoned with wit.
  3. to mature, ripen, or condition by exposure to suitable conditions or treatment: a writer seasoned by experience.
  4. to dry or otherwise treat (lumber) so as to harden and render immune to shrinkage, warpage, etc.
  5. to accustom or harden: troops seasoned by battle.
—v.i.
  1. to become seasoned, matured, hardened, or the like.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
See also: