torch

1 of 2

noun

ˈtȯrch 

often attributive

1

: a burning stick of resinous wood or twist of tow used to give light and usually carried in the hand : flambeau

2

: something (such as tradition, wisdom, or knowledge) likened to a torch as giving light or guidance

pass the torch to the next generation

3

: any of various portable devices for emitting an unusually hot flame compare blowtorch

4

chiefly British : flashlight sense 1

5

: incendiary sense 2b

torch

2 of 2

verb

torched; torching; torches

transitive verb

: to set fire to with or as if with a torch

Synonyms of torch

Noun

• igniter
• arsonist
• firebug

Verb

• burn
• light
• fire
• ignite
• kindle
• scorch

Examples of torch in a Sentence

Noun

several suspicious fires in the past few months have probably been set by the same torch

Verb

An arsonist torched the building.

police suspect that the owner torched the house for the insurance money

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Some supporters of the Wide Awakes’ rebirth have expressed hesitance about its aesthetics, especially the optics of torch-wielding vigilantes marching through the streets. —Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 27 Apr. 2026

Former Canadiens captain Yvan Cournoyer entered the Bell Centre from that plaza holding a torch, walked it into the building and the arena bowl, setting off the Canadiens’ traditional playoff ritual of the ice catching fire, and the building roared. —Arpon Basu, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026

Verb

The Hawks, however, torched the Knicks in transition, scoring 20 fast break points to New York’s 15 and 21 points off turnovers to 18 for the Knicks. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026

In Australia, synagogues were firebombed, cars torched and Jewish community buildings defaced – the types of attacks recently seen in the United Kingdom that have prompted calls for a crackdown on antisemitism. —Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English torche, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *torca, alteration of Latin torqua something twisted, collar of twisted metal, alteration of torques; akin to Latin torquēre to twist — more at torture entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1901, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing torch

• carry a torch
• carry the torch
• pass the torch (on)
• plasma torch
• torch singer
• torch song

Rhymes for torch

• porch
• scorch

Kids Definition

torch

noun

ˈtȯ(ə)rch

1

: a flaming light made of something that burns brightly and usually is carried in the hand

2

: something that guides or gives light or heat like a torch

3

: any of various portable devices for producing a hot flame compare blowtorch

4

chiefly British : flashlight

Medical Definition

TORCH

noun

ˈtȯrch 

: a group of infectious diseases that cause similar symptoms in newborns and that include especially toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex, and rubella

Etymology

Noun

toxoplasma, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus