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noun Uncommon

monsoon

mon-SOON

Monsoon (noun) means a seasonal wind that brings heavy rainfall to a region, or the rainy season it causes. Example: “The monsoon flooded streets across the city within hours.”

noun
1
A seasonal wind that brings heavy rainfall to a region, or the rainy season it causes.
"The monsoon flooded streets across the city within hours."
"Farmers depend on the monsoon to water their crops each year."

How to use monsoon

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA season of heavy, often destructive rain driven by seasonal winds, common in South and Southeast Asia.

Common pairings
monsoon season monsoon rains the monsoon arrives

Word forms

monsoons plural

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Test yourself on “monsoon” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ flooded streets across the city within hours.

Etymology

Borrowed through Portuguese and Dutch from an Arabic word for "season," related to a verb meaning "to mark" or "brand."

Origin: Dutch

Rhymes for monsoon

See all rhymes for monsoon →

Frequently asked questions

What does “monsoon” mean?

The word “monsoon” means a seasonal wind that brings heavy rainfall to a region, or the rainy season it causes. In plain terms, a season of heavy, often destructive rain driven by seasonal winds, common in South and Southeast Asia.

How do you pronounce “monsoon”?

“Monsoon” is pronounced mon-SOON (/mɑnˈsuːn/ in IPA).

How do you use “monsoon” in a sentence?

Here is “monsoon” used in a sentence: “The monsoon flooded streets across the city within hours.”

What part of speech is “monsoon”?

“Monsoon” is a noun.

Where does the word “monsoon” come from?

The word “monsoon” comes from Dutch. Borrowed through Portuguese and Dutch from an Arabic word for "season," related to a verb meaning "to mark" or "brand.".

Is “monsoon” a common word?

“Monsoon” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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