seared; searing; sears
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
: to cause withering or drying
: the catch that holds the hammer of a gun's lock at cock or half cock
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
Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2025
But searing also often results in oil that splatters all over the stovetop (and sometimes the surrounding counters, floor, appliances…and the cook).
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2025
Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 24 Dec. 2024
The key to a beautiful, food magazine-worthy sear is thoroughly drying them before searing.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sear
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
These small tapas-like bites are often skewered with a toothpick and include everything from spider crab and seared foie gras to the classic Gilda (anchovy, olive, and pickled pepper).
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2025
But searing also often results in oil that splatters all over the stovetop (and sometimes the surrounding counters, floor, appliances…and the cook).
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2025
Noun
The basic recipe for reserve sear is to season the roast all over with salt and pepper and let sit overnight in the refrigerator.
—Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 24 Dec. 2024
The key to a beautiful, food magazine-worthy sear is thoroughly drying them before searing.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sear
Cite this Entry
“Sear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sear. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share