parch

verb

ˈpärch 

parched; parching; parches

transitive verb

1

: to toast under dry heat

2

: to shrivel with heat

3

: to dry or shrivel with cold

intransitive verb

: to become dry or scorched

Synonyms of parch

• dry
• scorch

Examples of parch in a Sentence

The hot desert sun had parched the land.

the heat has really parched my throat

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite its creamier texture, the moisturizer absorbs quickly—especially if your skin is parched—and doesn’t leave behind any residue. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 19 Aug. 2026

Boron nitride gives the formula its silky slip and creates a blurring effect, while avocado oil adds conditioning moisture so a matte doesn’t look like skin is parched. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 14 Aug. 2026

Millions are under hosepipe bans, parched yellow grass has replaced lush green fields and wildfire risk is increasing. — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 30 July 2026

Many of them, like Tubbs, were refugee Midwesterners, sick of parching droughts and devouring plagues of locusts, the insects descending in buzzing clouds thick enough to blacken the noonday sun. — Literary Hub, 10 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for parch

• arch
• march
• starch
• cornstarch

Kids Definition

parch

verb

ˈpärch 

1

: to toast by dry heat

2

: to wilt with heat