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

What was supposed to be his moment, his coronation as the quarterback who could finally get this program back to a national championship game for the first time since 1986, instead ended with an interception that will be seared in the minds of Penn State fans for years. —Audrey Snyder, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025

The key to the perfect beef tips is to sear them well in the pan. —Josh Miller, Southern Living, 8 Jan. 2025

Noun

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

Add the chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides. —Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 5 Dec. 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