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.
It’s also raised fears that parched landscapes could stoke wildfires. — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026 The result is hair that feels soft rather than stiff; piece-y and matte, but never parched. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 June 2026 But beyond these gardens the terrain is dry, trees thin; green after summer rains, but parched and bleached for most of the year. — Literary Hub, 12 May 2026 Water parched soil and allow a couple of days for the dirt to absorb the water before proceeding. — David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 3 Apr. 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 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on parch

Nglish: Translation of parch for Spanish Speakers

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