torrid
Americanadjective
adjective
-
so hot and dry as to parch or scorch
-
arid or parched
-
highly charged emotionally
a torrid love scene
Other Word Forms
- hypertorrid adjective
- hypertorridly adverb
- hypertorridness noun
- torridity noun
- torridly adverb
- torridness noun
- untorrid adjective
- untorridity noun
- untorridly adverb
- untorridness noun
Etymology
Origin of torrid
1580–90; < Latin torridus dried up, parched, equivalent to torr ( ēre ) to parch, burn ( torrent, thirst ) + -idus -id 4
Explanation
Torrid can mean "emotionally charged and passionate," like a torrid romance in a soap opera. But if you’re listening to a torrid band, you’re simply hearing musicians that have a lot of energy. Torrid is an adjective that can literally describe something extremely hot — like a torrid afternoon in the desert. It also describes something that's very energetic, or something that has an extreme emotional charge — which is why people often apply torrid to intense romantic relationships. Torrid comes from the Latin word torrere, meaning “parch or scorch.”
Vocabulary lists containing torrid
Term-ometer: Synonyms for "Hot"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
100 SAT Words Beginning with "T"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Hamilton
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Automakers have had a torrid time as they contend with a muted transition to electric vehicles, U.S. tariffs and a tough Chinese market characterized by intense competition and a new luxury tax policy.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026
The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index rallied hard on Wednesday, gaining 2.8%, as corners of the market that had been among the hardest-hit in 2026 surged into the lead during a torrid snapback rally.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026
The torrid hitting — which includes a two-homer game last week against the Reds — and how he’s carried himself has paid off for Espinal.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026
Should Furbank, who has endured a torrid run of injuries over the past year, come through that fixture, the full-back is in line for a return to England's matchday squad.
From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026
The torrid cracks of the furnace gleamed in the crimson darkness and he heard the throaty undertone of the draft devouring the air.
From "Native Son" by Richard Wright
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.
