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

Our Place Always Pan 2.0 $125 $98 (22% off) Amazon $129 Our Place The Our Place Always Pan 2.0 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) handles nearly every task—frying, steaming, searing—with its nontick surface and sloped edges. —Parker Hall, Wired News, 9 July 2025

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skillet This cast iron skillet is durable, versatile, and perfect for everything from searing steaks to baking biscuits — and my personal favorite? —Jeaneen Russell, People.com, 8 July 2025

Noun

Add roast to hot pan and sear, turning occasionally until browned on all sides, 10-12 minutes. —Mary Claire Britton, Southern Living, 8 July 2025

Salt the meat right before placing on the cooking surface to create a nice sear. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 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