seasoning

noun

sea·​son·​ing ˈsē-zᵊn-iŋ 

ˈsēz-niŋ

plural seasonings

: something that serves to season

especially : an ingredient or mixture of ingredients added to a dish to enhance or add to its flavor

salt, pepper, and other seasonings

a garlic and herb seasoning

… fish … coated in Cajun seasoning for an extra kick.

—Helen Freund

Synonyms

• flavor
• flavoring
• spice

Examples of seasoning in a Sentence

My favorite seasonings are black pepper and oregano.

Add some seasoning to the marinade.

The soup needs more seasoning.

Recent Examples on the Web

Cast iron: Frequent use of cooking spray can impact the seasoning of cast-iron pans. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 21 Dec. 2024

One is the company’s open-air seasoning, which exposes the barrels to Washington’s changing seasons. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

The coating wasn’t too heavy, but any seasoning or real flavor was masked by the overwhelming taste of fry oil. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 2024

Mixed with spices or other seasonings like gochujang, bouillon paste becomes an instant, lusty glaze for chicken breasts, Halloumi cheese, or cross-hatched eggplants, ready to sear in a pan or char under the broiler. —Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appétit, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

seasoning

noun

sea·​son·​ing

ˈsēz-niŋ,

-ᵊn-iŋ

: something (as a spice or herb) that seasons