high-season
UK[ˈhaɪ ˌsiːzn̩]US[ˈhaɪ ˌsiːzn̩]
n
The period of the year when a tourist destination, resort, or service is most popular and therefore most expensive.
Morpheme Breakdown
high
season
high
elevated
season
period
Etymology
The compound "high-season" is a modern term from the travel and tourism industry, formed by combining two common English words. "High" derives from the Proto-Germanic hauhaz, carrying the core sense of elevation, which in this context metaphorically indicates the peak period of demand and activity. "Season" traces back to the Latin satiōnem, originally referring to the act of sowing, which evolved in Old French to denote a suitable time or period. The logic of the compound is transparent: it designates the "peak period" of the year for a specific activity, where "high" signifies the maximum level of business, prices, and visitor numbers within the annual cycle or "season."
Analysis
Structure: high (elevated) + season (period)
- high: From Old English hēah, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch hoog and German hoch. Functions as an adjective describing a great vertical extent or, figuratively, a peak level or intensity.
- season: From Old French seson, seison, ultimately from Latin satiōn- (sowing), from serere (to sow). Functions as a noun meaning a period of the year characterized by particular conditions or activities.
Examples
Flights to the Caribbean are significantly more expensive during the high-season from December to April.
Many hotels require a minimum stay of five nights in the high-season.
We prefer to travel just before the high-season begins to avoid the crowds and higher costs.