Charred: meaning, definitions and examples

When something is partially burned, especially food, and it has blackened surfaces but might still be edible.

• The edges of the burger were charred from the grill
• The chef liked the chicken a little bit charred

When something is overcooked or fully destroyed by fire. This word often has a negative connotation, especially when talking about food.

• He forgot to set the timer and the cookies got burnt
• The toast is completely burnt; we can't eat it

When something is entirely or almost entirely turned black through burning, often used in cooking for specific recipes like blackened fish.

• She prepared a delicious blackened salmon for dinner
• The barbecue had blackened the vegetables nicely

When something is superficially burned or singed, often without being entirely ruined. This term is also used for non-food items like clothes or grass.

• The sun scorched the grass in the backyard
• The iron was too hot and it scorched the shirt

This word is used to describe something that has been burned on the surface, often used in cooking to indicate a desirable level of browning. It implies that the item is blackened but not completely destroyed.

• The steak was perfectly charred on the outside but still juicy inside
• The wooden fence was charred by the fire, giving it a rustic look

This is a general term for damaging or destroying something with fire or extreme heat. It can also describe the sensation of pain caused by heat.

• Be careful not to burn yourself on the hot stove
• The candle burned all night, leaving wax all over the table

Scorch is often used to describe something that has been slightly burned or singed, typically leaving it brown or discolored rather than completely blackened. It's common in contexts like laundry, cooking, and even nature.

• The iron was too hot and scorched the shirt
• The summer sun scorched the grass to a yellow-brown

Blacken is typically used to describe something that has turned black due to intense heat or burning. It can also be used in a negative sense to describe tarnishing someone's reputation.

• The toast was left in the toaster too long and blackened
• Scandals can blacken a politician’s good name