singe

[ sinj ]

verb (used with object)

, singed, singe·ing.

1. to burn superficially or slightly; scorch.

   Synonyms: char

2. to burn the ends, projections, nap, or the like, of (hair, cloth, etc.).
3. to subject (the carcass of an animal or bird) to flame in order to remove hair, bristles, feathers, etc.

noun

1. a superficial burn.
2. the act of singeing.

singe

/ sɪndʒ /

verb

1. to burn or be burnt superficially; scorch

   to singe one's clothes

2. tr to burn the ends of (hair, etc)
3. tr to expose (a carcass) to flame to remove bristles or hair

noun

1. a superficial burn

Other Words From

• singe·ing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of singe¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English sengen (verb), Old English sencgan; cognate with Dutch zengen, German sengen; akin to Old Norse sangr “singed, burnt”

Word History and Origins

Origin of singe¹

Old English sengan; related to Middle High German sengen to singe, Dutch sengel spark, Norwegian sengla to smell of burning, Swedish sjängla to singe, Icelandic sāngr

Synonym Study

See burn ¹.

Example Sentences

The McWaids rushed to the garage, but as Ken McWaid opened the garage door, thick black smoke billowed in and hot embers singed his skin.

From Los Angeles Times

As of Friday afternoon, more than 20,700 acres had burned — the majority singed on Wednesday — and crews said the fire was 7% contained.

From Los Angeles Times

I admit to some nerves when I flambé, even though I have never had anything remotely scary occur — no eyebrows singed, no black smoke marks above the stove.

From Salon

The Slipknot DJ and keyboard player singed off his eyebrows and “melted” much of his skin after a bonfire exploded while he was working on his farm.

From Los Angeles Times

Rede is looking ahead, planting new roses and watering singed trees that remain.

From Los Angeles Times