torchy

American  

[tawr-chee] / ˈtɔr tʃi /

adjective

torchier, torchiest

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of a torch song or a torch singer.

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Etymology

Origin of torchy

1620–30, in sense “full of torches”; 1940–45 for this sense; torch ¹ + -y ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

torchy torchier

Throughout the 1950s, the ensemble made a series of revelatory LPs for Capitol Records performing the late Beethoven string quartets and much else, while also joining Frank Sinatra in his torchy classic, “Close to You.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 12, 2025

“Torchy but not torchy, fun but not overproduced,” he said in a 2018 interview.

From Washington Post ● Aug. 9, 2022

Originally voiced by Jerry Nelson, she sometimes wears a horn-rimmed lorgnette, fans herself with plastic and sings torchy, bluesy songs.

From Salon ● Jan. 23, 2022

And Monroe’s torchy “Leavers Lullaby,” about being on the less-blameless end of a breakup.

From Slate ● Nov. 2, 2018

This told, strange Teras touch'd her lute, and sung This ditty, that the torchy evening sprung.

From The Works of Christopher Marlowe, Vol. 3 (of 3) by Bullen, A. H. (Arthur Henry)

It just gets torchier as that love goes unrequited.

From New York Times ● Jan. 27, 2023

Ms. May followed through, torchier than ever, and Mr. Beck’s guitar escalated again, screaming and slicing.

From New York Times ● Mar. 29, 2011