burned
Burned (adjective) means damaged or consumed by fire, heat, or a similar destructive process. Example: “The burned toast set off the smoke alarm.”
How to Use Burned
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes something that has been damaged by fire or heat; also the standard past tense of "burn" in American English.
American English favours "burned"; British English more often uses "burnt," especially as an adjective before a noun.
Word Forms
more burned comparative, most burned superlative
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ toast set off the smoke alarm.
Related Words
Rhymes for burned
See all rhymes for burned →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “burned” mean?
The word “burned” means damaged or consumed by fire, heat, or a similar destructive process. In plain terms, describes something that has been damaged by fire or heat; also the standard past tense of "burn" in American English.
How do you pronounce “burned”?
“Burned” is pronounced BURND (/ˈbɝnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “burned” in a sentence?
Here is “burned” used in a sentence: “The burned toast set off the smoke alarm.”
What part of speech is “burned”?
“Burned” is an adjective.
Is “burned” a common word?
“Burned” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between 'burned' and 'burnt'?
'Burned' and 'burnt' are both accepted past forms of 'burn,' but 'burned' is more common in American English while 'burnt' is more common in British English. As an adjective before a noun, many writers prefer 'burnt,' as in 'burnt toast,' even in American usage.
When should you use 'burned' instead of 'burnt'?
In American English, 'burned' is the safer choice for both the verb and the adjective, as in 'the fire burned all night.' 'Burnt' is more strongly associated with British English and with describing damaged objects, such as 'burnt edges.'
Is it 'burned out' or 'burnt out'?
Both 'burned out' and 'burnt out' are correct, and the choice usually follows the same regional pattern, with 'burned out' favoured in American English. The phrase can describe a light or engine that has stopped working, or a person who is exhausted from overwork.