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
It seems it's open season on your congressperson.

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.
During the open season, the daily bag and possession limit is 30 grunion per person. — Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 1 June 2026 Winter on the island is open season for flea markets and rural produce marts, for jazz nights, classical music festivals, and cutting-edge art events. — Paul Richardson, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Feb. 2026 During the open seasons, each state will use bag limits, aggregate limits and size limits for all recreational anglers in state and federal waters. — Steve Waters, Miami Herald, 9 May 2026 The person possesses a license authorizing the hunting or trapping of the type of animal that was killed, and the animal killed was killed during the open season for that species. — Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 11 Nov. 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

Rhymes for open season

See All Rhymes for open season

Browse Nearby Words

open sea
open season
open secret
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Open season.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open%20season. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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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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