open season

noun

1
: a period when it is legal to kill or catch game or fish protected at other times by law
2
: a time during which someone or something is the object of sustained attack or criticism

Examples of open season in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some counties also have a fall turkey season that runs concurrently with the open season on deer. Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 2 Apr. 2025 Andrew 4-0 (3) Senior goalkeeper Annabel Walsh and Thunderbolts open season with four straight shutouts. Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025 The animals may only be trapped by licensed trappers during the open season between December and March, according to the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2025 BlueSky’s ageist meme and lack of response to criticism indicate that ageism, however, is open season. Sheila Callaham, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for open season

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of open season was circa 1890

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Cite this Entry

“Open season.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open%20season. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

open season

noun
: a time when it is legal to hunt game or catch fish that are legally protected at other times
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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