burning

adjective

burn·​ing ˈbər-niŋ How to pronounce burning (audio)
Synonyms of burningnext
1
a
: being on fire
b
: ardent, intense
burning enthusiasm
2
a
: affecting with or as if with heat
a burning fever
b
: resembling that produced by a burn
a burning sensation on the tongue
3
: of fundamental importance : urgent
one of the burning issues of our time
burningly
ˈbər-niŋ-lē How to pronounce burning (audio)
adverb

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of burning in a Sentence

She stared at the burning embers for a long time. a burning hatred of corruption The medicine produced a burning sensation on my tongue. Symptoms include itchy, burning eyes.
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.
At private equity firm TPG, global head of human resources Anna Edwin poised one of the most burning questions for business leaders in thinking through their future talent strategies. —Ryan Hogg, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2024 Social media star Hannah Neeleman and her husband Daniel Neeleman are answering fans' most burning question. —Charmaine Patterson, Peoplemag, 30 July 2024 From dandruff to an itchy and burning sensation, having a dry scalp is one of the more uncomfortable beauty woes. —Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 24 July 2024 Since consultations can be timed, prioritize your most burning questions to make the most of your session. —Playtogga, The Denver Post, 29 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for burning 

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Phrases Containing burning

Dictionary Entries Near burning

burn in

burning

burning bush

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Burning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/burning. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

burning

1 of 2 adjective
burn·​ing ˈbər-niŋ How to pronounce burning (audio)
1
: affecting with or as if with heat
a burning fever
2
: resembling that produced by a burn
a burning sensation on the tongue

burning

2 of 2 noun
: a sensation of being on fire or excessively heated
gastric burning

More from Merriam-Webster on burning

Nglish: Translation of burning for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of burning for Arabic Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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