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
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Noun
Also, they’re protected by Alienware’s great three-year warranty that covers manufacturer defects along with burn-in coverage, plus enhanced pixel shifting and refreshing algorithms to extend their lifespan. Cameron Faulkner, The Verge, 31 May 2026 And the monitor also includes a Pulsating Heat Pipe and Dynamic Cooling System to reduce the temperature to prevent screen burn-in. George Yang, PC Magazine, 23 May 2026 Each robot undergoes over 80 functional tests, including stress and burn-in exercises such as squats and jogging, to eliminate early failures. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026 But in terms of preventing burn-in, flying toasters were no better than a blank screen. Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 30 May 2025 Brightness and color accuracy aside, RGB LED may also be a good alternative for those worried about OLED burn-in. Ryan Waniata, WIRED, 19 Jan. 2025

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

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Cite this Entry

“Burn-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/burn-in. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

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
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