sear

1 of 4

verb

seared; searing; sears

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

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
Cast iron retains heat well, ensuring consistent searing, frying, and baking, and can transition from stovetop to oven seamlessly. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2024 When oil is hot, sear the ribs until caramelized on each side. Kathryn Gregory, The Courier-Journal, 31 Oct. 2024
Noun
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven with Loop Handles This pot’s traditional cast iron seasoning only improves with time, which makes for better sears and browning and results in mouthwatering soups, baked goods, stews, and more. Maggie Horton, People.com, 9 Oct. 2024 An auto sear by itself is considered a machine gun by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Phil Helsel, NBC News, 30 Aug. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near sear

Cite this Entry

“Sear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sear. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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