sear

1 of 4

verb

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

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Verb
Polanski was also seared into national consciousness in 1969 after members of the Manson family murdered his pregnant wife, Sharon Tate, and four other people at her home. Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 23 Oct. 2024 Here is a roundup of the performances – including a tribute to Buffett from James Taylor and Kenny Chesney, a surprise from Foreigner and a searing homage to a clearly delighted Osbourne – from this year’s Rock Hall induction ceremony. Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 20 Oct. 2024
Noun
Tell us a little bit more about at the end of that sear, butter, garlic, thyme, what was the flavor like to you? Bon Appétit, 9 Oct. 2024 In a large roasting pan heat a small amount of oil and sear on each side of the shoulder for around a minute. Rebekah Evans, theweek, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sear 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of sear was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near sear

Cite this Entry

“Sear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sear. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sear

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!