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

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

In the intervening 47 years, Edelman has become acutely aware of the potential dramas awaiting family firms — real and fictional — when one generation prepares to pass the torch to another. —Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 13 Apr. 2026

Using torches, particularly during fire season, may not be allowed. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2026

Verb

At least 26 people were killed and more than 100 polling sites were torched. —Nick Tabor, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Apr. 2026

But starter Noah Cameron struggled following a three-hour rain delay as he was torched for five runs in 5 1/3 innings, and the White Sox hit a pair of two-run homers. —Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 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