torch song

noun

: a popular sentimental song of unrequited love

Examples of torch song in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web She’s got a lot of torch songs in her arsenal, and there is nothing like the LA Phil at its most understated to throw just enough tinder onto her unrequitedness to create a beautiful blaze. Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Aug. 2024 By gracefully expressing Evan’s longing for Zoe and unpacking her fractured relationship with Connor, the torch song fuses these characters’ parallel quests for connection. Washington Post Staff, Washington Post, 13 Feb. 2024 A lot of your songs do feel like classic torch songs — but then, a lot of Taylor Swift songs are torch songs, really. Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Dec. 2023 For many, in other words, a torch song written from the POV of an underappreciated grown-man doll has become the unlikely anthem of the summer. Ashley Fetters Maloy, Washington Post, 17 Aug. 2023 See all Example Sentences for torch song 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'torch song.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from the phrase to carry a torch for (to be in love)

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of torch song was in 1926

Dictionary Entries Near torch song

Cite this Entry

“Torch song.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torch%20song. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on torch song

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!