What does monsoon mean?
A monsoon is a seasonal reversal of winds, most famously seen across South and Southeast Asia, where it divides the year into broadly wet and dry periods. The summer monsoon brings moist oceanic air toward the land and causes widespread, often intense rainfall; in many regions, the winter monsoon produces much drier weather. The word also names the rainy season itself or a prolonged spell of heavy rain. Monsoons have a major cultural and economic importance because they determine agricultural cycles, water supplies, transportation conditions, and daily life across much of tropical Asia. Although the term is sometimes used more loosely for any exceptionally wet period, its clearest application is to a recurring seasonal wind system and the rainfall associated with it.
nounA seasonal wind system, especially in South and Southeast Asia, whose direction and strength change with the season and which is commonly associated with a period of heavy rainfall. The word can also refer to the rainy season itself.
- A seasonal wind system whose direction and strength change with the seasons, especially in tropical and subtropical Asia.
- The rainy season associated with the seasonal wind reversal in South and Southeast Asia.
- A period of prolonged, heavy rainfall, especially in a tropical region.
"The village's roads become difficult to navigate during the monsoon."
"Heavy rain continued throughout the monsoon, flooding several low-lying villages."
"Local farmers traditionally prepare their fields before the onset of the monsoon."
Plural monsoons is used when referring to monsoon systems or distinct monsoon seasons, as well as to multiple rainy seasons in different years or regions.
"The monsoons of the nineteenth century had a significant effect on trade and agriculture."
The word monsoon comes from an Arabic word meaning “season,” a fitting origin for a weather pattern that reshapes life by season.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does monsoon come from?
The English word comes through Portuguese “monção,” which was borrowed from Malay, and ultimately from Arabic “mawsim,” meaning “season” or “time of year.” The term originally referred to the seasonal reversal of winds in the Indian Ocean region. Its modern English use developed to include both the wind system and the rainy season associated with it.
How monsoon is actually used
The word is most strongly associated with South Asia, where the summer monsoon brings widespread rain and the winter monsoon brings drier conditions. In broader English usage, “monsoon” can refer to any very wet season, though this may sound informal or regionally specific.
Easily confused with monsoon
A monsoon is a seasonal wind or rainy period, whereas a mansion is a large, impressive house.