singe

1 of 2

verb

ˈsinj 

singed; singeing ˈsin-jiŋ 

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

Synonyms of singe

Verb

• char
• scorch
• bake

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

Verb

And with that, whoosh, our eyebrows were singed and cheeks scorched. — Matt Slater, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026

Breath automatic singed in a tight grin. — Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026

Noun

A little singe around the edges of the bread will remind you of the coal-fire char of the original. — Ali Slagle, Washington Post, 23 Apr. 2023

As the bird passes over the facility, its wing feathers begin to curl and singe. — IEEE Spectrum, 20 Aug. 2014

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

Rhymes for singe

• binge
• cringe
• fringe
• hinge
• tinge
• twinge
• impinge
• infringe
• syringe

Kids Definition

singe

1 of 2 verb

ˈsinj 

singed

ˈsinjd

; singeing ˈsin-jiŋ 

: 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