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 of sear

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

Plump seared scallops are topped with fresh strawberry and surrounded by swirls of luscious maple syrup and crumbles of wild boar bacon—a succulent, deceptively complex entrée. —Pamela MacNaughtan, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Nov. 2025

Today, the result is a giant K seared across the agricultural sector. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 17 Nov. 2025

Noun

Crafted from durable cast iron, the heirloom-quality pot has a smooth enamel interior that gives meat a beautiful, even sear. —Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Nov. 2025

Le Creuset Signature Oval Dutch Oven Large enough to simmer soup or sear roasts for the entire family and then some, this Dutch oven is a great multipurpose tool to have on hand. —Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 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

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

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