English Reference

Word

seasoned

Phoneticssea·soned, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈsizənd/

UK/sˈiːzənd/

Definitions

01experienced

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. having a lot of experience in a particular job or activity.

adj. possessing significant experience and skill in a specific field or profession.

“The company hired a seasoned manager to lead the new team.”

“As a seasoned diplomat, she was able to navigate the delicate negotiations without causing any international friction.”

Usage

often used before a noun to describe a professional.

02flavoured food

B2 · Upper Intermediate Cooking

adj. having salt, pepper, or spices added to improve the taste.

adj. having had the flavour enhanced by the addition of salt, herbs, or spices.

“The chicken was perfectly seasoned with garlic and fresh herbs.”

“The chef insisted that the steak be seasoned generously with sea salt and cracked black pepper before being seared over the high flame.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

blandunseasoned

03treated wood

C1 · Advanced Technical

adj. wood that has been dried out so it is ready to be used for building or burning.

adj. referring to timber that has been dried and hardened to reduce moisture content for industrial or domestic use.

“You should only burn seasoned wood in the fireplace to avoid too much smoke.”

“The carpenter refused to work with the fresh timber, explaining that only properly seasoned oak would prevent the furniture from warping over time.”

Usage

specifically used in the context of timber and firewood.

Antonyms

Real-World Examples

“A seasoned international centre-back, he lifted the Europa League with Villa last season.”
BBC News 20 Aug 2026
“Tony Comiti Productions said Mocaër and Pezzani were "seasoned, experienced professionals" who had worked across the world to "document people's daily lives...”
BBC News 20 Aug 2026
“But deli turkey or roast beef is typically made from individual roasts that are seasoned, cooked and then thinly sliced.”
The Conversation 17 Aug 2026

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

QR code

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English Reference