sear

1 of 4

verb

ˈsir 

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

Synonyms

Verb

• char
• scorch
• singe

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

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

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

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