scalding

adjective

scald·​ing ˈskȯl-diŋ 

1

: hot enough to scald

scalding water

2

a

: having or producing the feeling of being burned

scalding sun

scalding sand

b

: scathing

scalding criticism

Synonyms

• ardent
• boiling
• broiling
• burning
• fervent
• fervid
• fiery
• hot
• piping hot
• red
• red-hot
• roasting
• scorching
• searing
• sultry
• superheated
• sweltering
• torrid
• ultrahot
• white-hot

Examples of scalding in a Sentence

The men worked in the scalding sun.

a scalding bowl of soup

Recent Examples on the Web

There is an anti-scalding handle, so your hand is protected and a steam outlet to let off any high pressure steam to protect yourself. —Chris Hachey, BGR, 2 Apr. 2021

But Reimann achieves an exemplary balance by alternating his scalding eruptions of vocal power (which in general are sparsely accompanied, sometimes by percussion alone) with full-throttle tutti blasts from the orchestra. —Matthew Aucoin, The New York Review of Books, 7 Dec. 2019

Experts generally agree on the same basic steps to reduce risks in your house: Set your water heater no higher than 120 degrees to prevent scalding. —Paul L. Underwood, New York Times, 17 Apr. 2020

One man placed in a scalding bath or shower went to the hospital with second-degree burns. —Benjamin Weiser, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

scalding

adjective

scald·​ing ˈskȯl-diŋ 

1

: causing the sensation of scalding or burning

2

: as hot as if boiling

scalding water

3

: very hot

4

: biting, scathing