torch
1 Americannoun
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a light to be carried in the hand, consisting of some combustible substance, as resinous wood, or of twisted flax or the like soaked with tallow or other flammable substance, ignited at the upper end.
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something considered as a source of illumination, enlightenment, guidance, etc..
the torch of learning.
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any of various lamplike devices that produce a hot flame and are used for soldering, burning off paint, etc.
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Slang. an arsonist.
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Chiefly British. flashlight.
verb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
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to subject to the flame or light of a torch, as in order to burn, sear, solder, or illuminate.
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Slang. to set fire to maliciously, especially in order to collect insurance.
idioms
verb (used with object)
noun
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US and Canadian word: flashlight. a small portable electric lamp powered by one or more dry batteries
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a wooden or tow shaft dipped in wax or tallow and set alight
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anything regarded as a source of enlightenment, guidance, etc
the torch of evangelism
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any apparatus that burns with a hot flame for welding, brazing, or soldering
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to be in love with, esp unrequitedly
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to set fire to; burn down
the looted monastery was put to the torch
verb
Other Word Forms
- torchable adjective
- torchless adjective
- torchlike adjective
Etymology
Origin of torch1
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English noun torch(e), from Old French torche, torque, from Vulgar Latin torca (unattested) “something twisted”; torque
Origin of torch2
First recorded in 1850–60; from French torcher “to plaster with a mixture of clay and chopped straw,” derivative of torche “a twist of straw”; torch 1
Explanation
A torch is a handheld light. Although flashlights are sometimes called "torches," technically a torch has a burning flame. Torch can also be used as a verb indicating that something has been purposely set on fire. For example, arsonists have been known to torch empty buildings just for fun. This meaning dates to 1931. The noun form of torch has been around a lot longer. In the late 13th century torch came into English from the Old French word torche, or "twisted thing," which was a piece of wax-dipped rope.
Vocabulary lists containing torch
"Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, Act I
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Olympics Vocabulary for Champions
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Beowulf vocabulary
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Following more than 300 hours of searching, divers finally spotted the blinking of the miner's torch light, which Zapata had turned on and off to alert them to his location.
From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026
As they carry out their mission, the team of four astronauts have been routinely asked to reflect on the weight of the torch they carry.
From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026
So much for our torch of freedom bringing light to the world.
From Salon • Mar. 20, 2026
On the hike, Lukas Bell-Dereske, science coordinator/ecologist for the parks, led us past the log Hanson had crossed to an area that the map indicated would be in the torch zone.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026
I start along Buckingham Road with my torch pointed down, as they’ve instructed us to do.
From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.