parch

verb

ˈpärch 

parched; parching; parches

transitive verb

1

: to toast under dry heat

2

: to shrivel with heat

3

: to dry or shrivel with cold

intransitive verb

: to become dry or scorched

Synonyms

• dehydrate
• desiccate
• dry
• scorch
• sear

Examples of parch in a Sentence

The hot desert sun had parched the land.

the heat has really parched my throat

Recent Examples on the Web

This followed record-breaking summer heat and dry conditions in early October, leaving soils parched and reducing the runoff efficiency of early precipitation. —Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024

Every once in a while, flooding will kill Spain’s tomato harvest, and a drought will leave Brazil’s coffee plants parched. —Denise Hruby, Sun Sentinel, 2 Dec. 2024

According to Dermatologists By Jennifer Hussein Editor's tip: Unlike many clarifying shampoos that can leave your hair feeling parched, this one is infused with hyaluronic acid to boost hydration while enhancing elasticity. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Nov. 2024

But booze—and sugar, which is abundant in mixed drinks—can leave you parched, and dehydration is a common migraine trigger. —Cheyenne Buckingham, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

parch

verb

ˈpärch 

1

: to toast by dry heat

2

: to wilt with heat