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

But its portrait of the American class system is searing and timely. —Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 21 Jan. 2025

Let thaw completely, and pat the chicken dry before searing. —Craig Ruff, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2025

Noun

This method works best for thin cuts of protein, like chicken, fish fillet, pork, and steak, as well as vegetables that need a quick sear and crisp texture, such as asparagus and eggplant. —Johna Burdeos, Health, 20 Jan. 2025

Make sure to get a good sear on the beef tips in the skillet, and don't skimp on the sour cream. get the recipe 03 of 21 Old-Fashioned Chicken And Dumplings Classic chicken 'n dumplings epitomizes quintessential Southern cuisine, combining all the good stuff in one singular bowl. —Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2025

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