verb
C2
Proficient
singe
sihnj
Singe (verb) means to burn something slightly, especially so as to scorch the surface without fully burning it. Example: “She singed her eyebrows lighting the barbecue.”
verb
1
To burn something slightly, especially so as to scorch the surface without fully burning it.
"She singed her eyebrows lighting the barbecue."
"The candle flame singed the edge of the curtain."
noun
1
A slight, surface-level burn.
"There was a small singe on the tablecloth from the candle."
How to use singe
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo burn something lightly on the surface, rather than fully.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "singe" as pronounced like "singer" — it rhymes with "hinge," not "sing."
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Word forms
- Plural
- singes
- Third person singular
- singes
- Past tense
- singed
Fill the gap
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She _____ her eyebrows lighting the barbecue.
Etymology
From Old English sengan ("to singe, scorch"), from an old Germanic root meaning "to burn."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for singe
See all rhymes for singe →Frequently asked questions
What does “singe” mean?
The word “singe” means to burn something slightly, especially so as to scorch the surface without fully burning it. In plain terms, to burn something lightly on the surface, rather than fully.
How do you pronounce “singe”?
“Singe” is pronounced sihnj (/sɪnd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “singe” in a sentence?
Here is “singe” used in a sentence: “She singed her eyebrows lighting the barbecue.”
What is another word for “singe”?
Words with a similar meaning to “singe” include scorch.
What part of speech is “singe”?
Depending on how it is used, “singe” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “singe” come from?
The word “singe” comes from Old English. From Old English sengan ("to singe, scorch"), from an old Germanic root meaning "to burn.".
How many meanings does “singe” have?
“Singe” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to burn something slightly, especially so as to scorch the surface without fully burning it.
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