torch
0 antonyms and opposites of torch, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A small portable light powered by a battery (British usage); in American English, a stick with a flaming end used as a light source.
How to use torch
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French torche, probably from a Latin word for a twisted bundle of straw or fibre soaked in pitch and set alight.
Full origin of torch →Frequently asked questions
What does “torch” mean?
The word “torch” means a small portable light powered by a battery (British usage); in American English, a stick with a flaming end used as a light source. In plain terms, a handheld light (UK) or flaming stick (US); as a verb, to set fire to something on purpose.
How do you pronounce “torch”?
“Torch” is pronounced TAWCH (/ˈtoɹt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “torch” in a sentence?
Here is “torch” used in a sentence: “She grabbed a torch before heading into the dark basement.”
What part of speech is “torch”?
Depending on how it is used, “torch” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “torch” come from?
The word “torch” comes from Latin. From Old French torche, probably from a Latin word for a twisted bundle of straw or fibre soaked in pitch and set alight.
Is “torch” a common word?
“Torch” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “torch” have?
“Torch” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small portable light powered by a battery (British usage); in American English, a stick with a flaming end used as a light source.
What is the difference between a torch and a flashlight?
In British English, "torch" refers to a small portable battery-powered light — exactly what American English calls a "flashlight." In American English, "torch" instead means a stick with a flaming end used for light, so British and American speakers picture completely different objects when they hear the word.
What does it mean to torch something?
As a verb, "torch" means to deliberately set fire to something, especially as an act of arson. It is used for intentional, often criminal or destructive burning, such as torching a building or a vehicle, rather than for accidental fires.
Is "torch" used the same way in the UK and the US?
No. In the UK, a torch is a handheld battery light you'd carry on a walk, while in the US the same word suggests an open flame on a stick, closer to what the British might call a "flaming torch." Both regions share the verb meaning, to deliberately burn something.