What does singe mean?
To singe something is to burn or scorch part of its surface, usually lightly. The resulting mark may be brown or black, and the affected material can retain a characteristic burnt smell or taste. The word is also used when hair or feathers are burned close to the skin, as when trimming hair ends or preparing food. Singe often suggests an incomplete or limited burn rather than the destruction associated with a more general term such as burn or incinerate. Figuratively, it can describe being narrowly harmed by a dangerous event, as in an incident that “singed” someone’s reputation. In everyday use, “singed edge” is a common expression for a slightly scorched border, while the verb is especially associated with fire, cooking, heat, and close calls.
To burn or scorch the surface of something lightly, causing it to brown or blacken.
"The flame singed the edge of the curtain."
Often implies a partial burn rather than complete destruction.
To burn hair or feathers close to the skin, especially as a grooming or preparation technique.
"The cook singed the chicken before roasting it."
The sense is traditional in cooking and grooming contexts.
To blacken or damage something with heat or fire.
"The radiator singed the paint as it heated up."
This use can also be figurative, especially of a narrowly avoided damaging event.
A slight burn, scorch mark, or discoloration caused by heat.
"There was a small singe on the sleeve of his jacket."
The noun is less common than the verb but is standard in British and US English.
The plural is used for separate scorch marks or instances of light burning.
"The flame left singes on the edge of the table."
A singe is the mark left when fire kisses a surface without consuming it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does singe come from?
The English word comes from Middle English senge, continuing an Old English verb meaning to scorch or burn. Its development reflects the older Germanic vocabulary for applying heat and damaging the surface of something. The modern form also came to be used for burning hair or feathers, and later developed a noun sense for a scorch mark or slight burn.
Related word forms
How singe is actually used
The word is commonly used for a light or partial burn, especially when something browns, blackens, or catches fire at the edges. In figurative use, it can describe damage caused by heat or by a narrowly avoided disaster.
Easily confused with singe
Sing means to make musical sounds with the voice, whereas singe means to burn or scorch something.