burn
verb (used without object)
to undergo rapid combustion or consume fuel in such a way as to give off heat, gases, and, usually, light; be on fire.
had burnt
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past perfectof burn.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
As the fires began to burn out of control, rumors spread through group chats and social media posts that the rec center had burnt down.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 30, 2025
At the same briefing, a spokesperson from the U.N. children's agency said that a factory in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, producing food for malnourished children had burnt down.
From Reuters ● May 12, 2023
Tree species from warmer climates did not experience as much discoloration, but species from cooler environments had burnt canopies.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 13, 2023
The other had fallen from her ear because it had burnt off.
From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2021
The lights on this floor had burnt out, meaning I had to be careful climbing stairs in the gloominess.
From "The Stars Beneath Our Feet" by David Barclay Moore
