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

see also:

carry a torch

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

Ancient viewers would have relied on beeswax and tallow candles, incense burners and torches. — Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026

Since the modern torch relay tradition began in 1936, the flame has burned underwater (Sydney 2000) and in space (Atlanta 1996) and traveled by plane, train, automobile, boat, pony and even camel. — Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026

Verb

At least one car was torched in ​Strasbourg in ⁠the east and riot police clashed with youths in Toulouse in the southwest. — Reuters, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026

In New England, the first act was to steal our corn and acorns and beans in 1620 and to torch our villages with men, women, and children inside and to sell the survivors into slavery. — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 29 Sep. 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