SINCE 1828
sear
adjectiveless common spelling of sere
1
: being dried and withered
sear
verb
\ ˈsir
\
\
seared;
searing;
sears
Definition of sear (Entry 2 of 4)
: to cause withering or drying
1
: to make withered and dry : parch
2a
: to burn, scorch, mark, or injure with or as if with sudden application of intense heat
b
: to cook the surface of quickly with intense heat
sear a steak
sear
noun (1)Definition of sear (Entry 3 of 4)
: a mark or scar left by searing
sear
noun (2)Definition of sear (Entry 4 of 4)
: the catch that holds the hammer of a gun's lock at cock or half cock
Keep scrolling for more
Examples of sear in a Sentence
Verb
The tree was seared by lightning. The flames seared my skin. The steak was seared over a hot grill.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for sear
sear
verb
English Language Learners Definition of sear
: to burn and damage the surface of (something) with strong and sudden heat
US
: to cook the surface of (something, such as a piece of meat) quickly with intense heat
See the full definition for sear in the English Language Learners Dictionary
sear
verb
\ ˈsir
\
\
seared;
searing
Kids Definition of sear
1
: to burn, mark, or injure with or as if with sudden heat
searing pain The sight was seared into my memory.
2
: to dry by or as if by heat : parch
3
: to quickly cook the surface by high heat
sear meat
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on sear
What made you want to look up sear? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Finance Words Quiz
-
- The etymology of mortgage is related most closely to which two words?
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Share sear
Resources for sear