torch

1 of 2

noun

ˈtȯrch 

often attributive

1

: a burning stick of resinous wood or twist of tow used to give light and usually carried in the hand : flambeau

2

: something (such as tradition, wisdom, or knowledge) likened to a torch as giving light or guidance

pass the torch to the next generation

3

: any of various portable devices for emitting an unusually hot flame compare blowtorch

4

chiefly British : flashlight sense 1

5

: incendiary sense 2b

see also:

carry a torch

torch

2 of 2

verb

torched; torching; torches

transitive verb

: to set fire to with or as if with a torch

Synonyms of torch

Noun

• igniter
• arsonist
• firebug

Verb

• burn
• light
• fire
• ignite
• kindle
• scorch

Examples of torch in a Sentence

Noun

several suspicious fires in the past few months have probably been set by the same torch

Verb

An arsonist torched the building.

police suspect that the owner torched the house for the insurance money

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Roybal endorsed Becerra, whose victory in the heavily Latino district that included Central and Eastside Los Angeles communities, was seen as a passing of the torch to the next generation. — Ben Wieder, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026

To the right, artificial houseplants stand in a currently dry fountain bedecked in blue light, and presided over by statue holding a candelabra-style light fixture like a torch. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Verb

The first episode started with poor Struan Loy getting stalked and later torched alive by a pair of Russian assassins as relentless and seemingly unkillable as Michael Myers or Jason Voorhees. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026

French authorities are extending curfews and increasing the police presence in public spaces as President Emmanuel Macron's government tries to regain control after rioters torched buildings and looted thousands of businesses this weekend. — Aidan Stretch, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English torche, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *torca, alteration of Latin torqua something twisted, collar of twisted metal, alteration of torques; akin to Latin torquēre to twist — more at torture entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1901, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing torch

• carry a torch
• carry the torch
• pass the torch (on)
• plasma torch
• torch singer
• torch song

Rhymes for torch

• porch
• scorch

Kids Definition

torch

noun

ˈtȯ(ə)rch

1

: a flaming light made of something that burns brightly and usually is carried in the hand

2

: something that guides or gives light or heat like a torch

3

: any of various portable devices for producing a hot flame compare blowtorch

4

chiefly British : flashlight

Medical Definition

TORCH

noun

ˈtȯrch 

: a group of infectious diseases that cause similar symptoms in newborns and that include especially toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex, and rubella

Etymology

Noun

toxoplasma, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus