Singe means to burn something lightly on the surface. It’s not a full burn—just enough to scorch the edges or give a quick, smoky touch.
In everyday life, people singe when they want to seal thread ends so they don’t fray, or when they toast the sugar on top of a crème brûlée with a kitchen torch. Campers might singe marshmallows for that perfect golden edge without turning them into charcoal. It’s that quick “just enough heat” moment.
Meaning & Usage Examples
• Verb: “She singed the ribbon to stop it from unraveling.”
• Noun: “There was a faint singe mark on the shirt after ironing.”
Context / Common Use
You’ll hear “singe” in kitchens, craft rooms, and hair salons. Stylists might “singe split ends,” and cooks might “singe the skin on a pepper” before peeling it. It’s always a light, controlled touch of heat.
Is singe the same as burn?
No. Burn can mean deep damage, while singe is only a surface scorch.
Can hair be singed safely?
Professionals do a quick pass with a flame, but at home it’s risky—leave it to the experts.
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