scalding

adjective

scald·​ing ˈskȯl-diŋ 

1

: hot enough to scald

scalding water

2

a

: having or producing the feeling of being burned

scalding sun

scalding sand

b

: scathing

scalding criticism

Synonyms of scalding

• boiling
• searing
• hot
• burning
• molten

Examples of scalding in a Sentence

The men worked in the scalding sun.

a scalding bowl of soup

Recent Examples on the Web

One man placed in a scalding bath or shower went to the hospital with second-degree burns. — Benjamin Weiser, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2020

There is an anti-scalding handle, so your hand is protected and a steam outlet to let off any high pressure steam to protect yourself. — Chris Hachey, BGR, 2 Apr. 2021

Two weeks ago, family and friends laid to rest Malachi Lawson, the 4-year-old who was burned in a scalding bath, his body then tossed in a dumpster. — Tim Prudente, baltimoresun.com, 26 Aug. 2019

Like frogs who grow accustomed to ever-more scalding water, Americans have come to accept that these are reasonable ways to behave. — Dan Perry, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for scalding

• balding

Kids Definition

scalding

adjective

scald·​ing ˈskȯl-diŋ 

1

: causing the sensation of scalding or burning

2

: as hot as if boiling

scalding water

3

: very hot

4

: biting, scathing