burning

adjective

burn·​ing ˈbər-niŋ 

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 

adverb

Synonyms

• ablaze
• afire
• aflame
• alight [chiefly British]
• blazing
• combusting
• conflagrant
• fiery
• flaming
• ignited
• inflamed
• enflamed
• kindled
• lit
• lighted

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing burning

• burning bush
• burning ghat
• burning hot
• ears are burning
• fat-burning
• feel one's ears burning

Medical Definition

burning

1 of 2 adjective

burn·​ing ˈbər-niŋ 

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