torch

1 of 2

noun

ˈtȯrch How to pronounce torch (audio)
often attributive
Synonyms of torchnext
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

Noun

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
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.
Noun
Right lifted their name from an early epic jam from Can can be seen as a mission statement: This trio intends to carry the experimental rock torch into the 21st Century. — Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2025 The next generation of golfers carries the torch forward, just as Tiger once did for Arnie’s Army. — Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
Eighteen times this season, in fact, someone has torched them for four or more 3s in a game. — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025 Tyler Herro exposed that reality on Sunday, torching Milwaukee for 40 points, repeatedly getting into the lane and drawing fouls. — Brian Sampson, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for torch

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of torch was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing torch

Rhymes for torch

See All Rhymes for torch

Browse Nearby Words

Torcello
torch
torch azalea
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Torch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torch. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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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 How to pronounce TORCH (audio)
: a group of pathological agents that cause similar symptoms in newborns and that include especially a toxoplasma (Toxoplasma gonii), cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, and the togavirus causing German measles
Etymology

Noun

toxoplasma, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus

More from Merriam-Webster on torch

Nglish: Translation of torch for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about torch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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