burning

adjective

burn·​ing ˈbər-niŋ How to pronounce burning (audio)
1
a
: being on fire
b
: ardent, intense
burning enthusiasm
2
a
: affecting with or as if with heat
a burning fever
b
: resembling that produced by a burn
a burning sensation on the tongue
3
: of fundamental importance : urgent
one of the burning issues of our time
burningly adverb

Examples of burning in a Sentence

She stared at the burning embers for a long time. a burning hatred of corruption The medicine produced a burning sensation on my tongue. Symptoms include itchy, burning eyes.
Recent Examples on the Web At private equity firm TPG, global head of human resources Anna Edwin poised one of the most burning questions for business leaders in thinking through their future talent strategies. Ryan Hogg, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2024 Social media star Hannah Neeleman and her husband Daniel Neeleman are answering fans' most burning question. Charmaine Patterson, Peoplemag, 30 July 2024 From dandruff to an itchy and burning sensation, having a dry scalp is one of the more uncomfortable beauty woes. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 24 July 2024 Since consultations can be timed, prioritize your most burning questions to make the most of your session. Playtogga, The Denver Post, 29 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for burning 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'burning.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of burning was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near burning

Cite this Entry

“Burning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/burning. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

burning

1 of 2 adjective
burn·​ing ˈbər-niŋ How to pronounce burning (audio)
1
: affecting with or as if with heat
a burning fever
2
: resembling that produced by a burn
a burning sensation on the tongue

burning

2 of 2 noun
: a sensation of being on fire or excessively heated
gastric burning

More from Merriam-Webster on burning

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