singe

1 of 2

verb

singed; singeing ˈsin-jiŋ How to pronounce singe (audio)

transitive verb

: to burn superficially or lightly : scorch
especially : to remove the hair, down, or fuzz from usually by passing rapidly over a flame

singe

2 of 2

noun

: a slight burn : scorch

Examples of singe in a Sentence

Verb The wood was singed by the candle. the marshmallows got a bit singed over the campfire, but we like them that way
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Both of these drying mistakes can singe the fibers, making your once fluffy towels stiff and uncomfortable. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2025 But the laser singes her brain. Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
The Grammy-winning singe performed her last of three shows at Solder Field on May 18. Caché McClay, USA Today, 19 May 2025 The New Zealand native revealed the song’s inquisitive title across her social media platforms, and shared what appears to be the singe’s cover art. Thania Garcia, Variety, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for singe

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English sengen, from Old English sæncgan, sengan; akin to Old High German bisengan to singe, Old Church Slavic isęknǫti to dry up

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1658, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Singe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/singe. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

singe

1 of 2 verb
singed
ˈsinjd
; singeing ˈsin-jiŋ How to pronounce singe (audio)
: to burn slightly
especially : to remove hair, down, or fuzz from usually by passing briefly over a flame

singe

2 of 2 noun
: a slight burn : scorch

More from Merriam-Webster on singe

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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