burn-in

1 of 2

noun

: the continuous operation of a device (such as a computer) as a test for defects or failure prior to putting it to use

burn in

2 of 2

verb

burned in or burnt in; burning in; burns in

transitive verb

: to increase the density of (portions of a photographic print) during enlarging by giving extra exposure

Examples of burn-in in a Sentence

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.
Noun
Pantone Validated ArtfulColor keeps these masterpieces looking realistic without screen burn-in. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025 But in terms of preventing burn-in, flying toasters were no better than a blank screen. Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 30 May 2025
Verb
Crews have nearly contained a wildfire burning in a North Shore state park, and a portion of the Superior Hiking Trail will reopen Thursday. Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 15 Oct. 2025 The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning Monday afternoon for a small area around Calistoga in Napa County where the Pickett Fire, a wildfire that charred 6,800 acres, burned in August, due to concerns about possible debris flows and mudslides. Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for burn-in

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1966, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of burn-in was circa 1939

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

burn-in

noun
: the continuous operation of a device (as a computer) as a test for defects or failure prior to putting it to use
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!