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
• singe

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 versatile pans are ideal for everything from searing fish to sautéing vegetables, making omelets, and more. —Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2025

Spread the pieces out in a single layer and sear over medium-low heat for about four minutes per side, or until the surface is golden and releases from the pan easily. —Karla Walsh, CNN Money, 25 Apr. 2025

Noun

Saute, sear, slow cook, boil, braise, deep fry, roast and bake all of your favorite meals in this pot, which is compatible with multiple stovetop types (including induction). —Lauryn Jiles, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025

The easy clean-up added to the versatility of being able to smoke, roast, sear, grill, and bake, make this a great value. —Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 19 Mar. 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