sear

1 of 4

verb

ˈsir How to pronounce sear (audio)
seared; searing; sears
Synonyms of searnext

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

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of sear was before the 12th century

Rhymes for sear

See All Rhymes for sear

Browse Nearby Words

sear
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Cite this Entry

“Sear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sear. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on sear

Nglish: Translation of sear for Spanish Speakers

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