monsoon

noun

mon·​soon män-ˈsün 

ˈmän-ˌsün

1

: a periodic wind especially in the Indian Ocean and southern Asia

2

: the season of the southwest monsoon in India and adjacent areas that is characterized by very heavy rainfall

3

: rainfall that is associated with the monsoon

monsoonal

män-ˈsü-nᵊl 

ˈmän-ˌsü-

adjective

Examples of monsoon in a Sentence

floods caused by summer monsoons

Recent Examples on the Web

The ancient amphibians burrowed into the riverbed, seemingly seeking moisture when the monsoons ended. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Dec. 2024

The Indian monsoon failed, followed by late, torrential rains that triggered widespread flooding in the Ganges basin. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024

That said, the monsoons do peak in June, July, and August—expect rainy weather at this time. —Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Dec. 2024

But this year, the monsoon developed in a different location. —Evan Bush, NBC News, 30 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

obsolete Dutch monssoen, from Portuguese monção, from Arabic mawsim time, season

First Known Use

1584, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

monsoon

noun

mon·​soon män-ˈsün 

1

: a periodic wind in the Indian Ocean and southern Asia

2

: the rainy season that accompanies the southwest monsoon

3

: rainfall that is associated with the monsoon season