English Reference
Adjective

scorching

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈskɔɹtʃɪŋ/ UK /skˈɔːtʃɪŋ/ scorch·ing

adj.extremely hot. You use this to describe weather or surfaces that feel like they are burning.

adj.characterized by intense, burning heat. Often used to describe climatic conditions or high temperatures that cause physical discomfort.


SIMPLE

The scorching sun makes it hard to stay outside.

CONTEXTUAL

We spent the afternoon indoors to escape the scorching heat of the desert summer.

COMPLEX

The runners struggled to maintain their pace under the scorching midday sun, which had pushed temperatures well above the seasonal average.

Usage

Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun like 'heat', 'sun', or 'day'.

Usage scorching summer

After such a scorching summer, and with a temperature drop of more than 15C compared with last Thursday’s heat, it may feel surprisingly chilly.

The Guardian· 17 Aug 2026

In June, when I left to return to the US, Europe was scorching.

The Guardian· 16 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated