singe

1 of 2

verb

ˈsinj 

singed; singeing ˈsin-jiŋ 

transitive verb

: to burn superficially or lightly : scorch

especially : to remove the hair, down, or fuzz from usually by passing rapidly over a flame

singe

2 of 2

noun

: a slight burn : scorch

Synonyms

Verb

• char
• scorch
• sear

Examples of singe in a Sentence

Verb

The wood was singed by the candle.

the marshmallows got a bit singed over the campfire, but we like them that way

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

One study shows that toxic VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are emitted when synthetic hair is singed or heated at temperatures of 250°C and above. —Kiara Byrd, Allure, 31 Oct. 2024

How the flames singed the corners of everything, a childhood charred by fear. —Raleigh McCool, Longreads, 5 Sep. 2024

Noun

Regular gel polish isn’t immune to the dreaded singe, either. —Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 9 July 2024

America’s cigarette market is in flux, and new smoking habits threaten to singe makers of pricey brands the most. —Carol Ryan, WSJ, 4 Nov. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English sengen, from Old English sæncgan, sengan; akin to Old High German bisengan to singe, Old Church Slavic isęknǫti to dry up

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1658, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

singe

1 of 2 verb

ˈsinj 

singed

ˈsinjd

; singeing ˈsin-jiŋ 

: to burn slightly

especially : to remove hair, down, or fuzz from usually by passing briefly over a flame

singe

2 of 2 noun

: a slight burn : scorch