parch

verb

ˈpärch How to pronounce parch (audio)
parched; parching; parches
Synonyms of parchnext

transitive verb

1
: to toast under dry heat
2
: to shrivel with heat
3
: to dry or shrivel with cold

intransitive verb

: to become dry or scorched

Synonyms of parch

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Examples of parch in a Sentence

The hot desert sun had parched the land. the heat has really parched my throat
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And dry forests and parched soils significantly increase the likelihood and severity of wildfires. — Ava Berger, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026 So, for ease of use and to avoid parching your skin, Queen recommends looking for one product — typically a lotion or cream — that delivers both retinol and hydrating ingredients, like glycerin, hyaluronic, ceramides or shea butter. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 26 Oct. 2026 The season’s first Santa Ana wind event will begin Wednesday and ramp up Thursday, bringing significant fire risk to parched Los Angeles County. — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 If you get parched while walking the trails, pop into a resting station with bathrooms, coffee, water, snacks, books, and magazines. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for parch

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of parch was in the 14th century

Rhymes for parch

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Browse Nearby Words

parcenter
parch
parched
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Cite this Entry

“Parch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parch. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

parch

verb
ˈpärch How to pronounce parch (audio)
1
: to toast by dry heat
2
: to wilt with heat
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