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

Dehydrated buttermilk powder makes for a great addition to all sorts of savory seasoning and herb mixes. —Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2025

Curry can develop a musty tang, while celery seasonings may become more potent. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 25 Feb. 2025

The trick, her mother would say, is using equal parts rice and water and adding the seasoning before it’s cooked. —Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 24 Feb. 2025

Tajín founder Horacio Fernández turned his authentic Mexican seasoning into a $1.5 billion spice giant—by selling to Americans. —Chloe Sorvino, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for seasoning

• reasoning

Kids Definition

seasoning

noun

sea·​son·​ing

ˈsēz-niŋ,

-ᵊn-iŋ

: something (as a spice or herb) that seasons