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

As reported, Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 already unveiled the designs for the torch and medals of the upcoming Winter Games. —Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 16 Dec. 2025

On it are the Statue of Liberty and Liberty passing her torch. —Addy Bink, The Hill, 14 Dec. 2025

Verb

Cold and snowy weather has gripped much of the northern tier of the United States since Thanksgiving, but a pattern change will torch the chance of white Christmas for many. —Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 16 Dec. 2025

Synagogues and cars were torched, businesses and homes graffitied and Jews attacked in those cities, where 85% of the nation's Jewish population lives. —Arkansas Online, 15 Dec. 2025

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