sear

1 of 4

verb

ˈsir 

seared; searing; sears

transitive verb

1

a

: to cook the surface of quickly with intense heat

sear a steak

b

: to burn, scorch, mark, or injure with or as if with sudden application of intense heat

2

: to make withered and dry : parch

intransitive verb

: to cause withering or drying

sear

2 of 4

noun (1)

: a mark or scar left by searing

sear

3 of 4

noun (2)

: the catch that holds the hammer of a gun's lock at cock or half cock

sear

4 of 4

adjective

less common spelling of sere

1

: being dried and withered

2

archaic : threadbare

Synonyms

Verb

• char
• scorch

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

These are great seared to tone down the heat, but still lend delicious flavor to a dish. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025

Now, with Israel claiming victory over Iran, Israeli life is returning to normal — but with the searing losses of the latest war reshaping reality. —Deborah Danan, Sun Sentinel, 26 June 2025

Noun

The griddle has a bit of a hot spot over the burner, but maintains temp well above 600 degrees and offers great sear on a couple of two-patty smashburgers at a time. —Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 14 June 2025

Add the steak and sear 3 minutes turn over and sear 3 minutes. —Linda Gassenheimer, Boston Herald, 11 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English seren, from Old English sēarian to become dry, from sēar sere

Noun (2)

probably from Middle French serre grasp, from serrer to press, grasp, from Old French, from Late Latin serare to bolt, latch, from Latin sera bar for fastening a door

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun (1)

1874, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1596, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sear

• beer
• bier
• cheer
• clear
• dear
• deer
• drear
• ear
• fear
• fier
• gear
• hear

Kids Definition

sear

1 of 2 verb

ˈsi(ə)r

1

: to cause withering or drying : parch, shrivel

harsh winds that sear and burn

2

a

: to burn, scorch, mark, or injure with or as if with sudden heat

b

: to cook the surface of quickly with intense heat

sear a steak

sear

2 of 2 noun

: a mark or scar left by searing