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torrid

adjective
tor·​rid | \ ˈtȯr-É™d How to pronounce torrid (audio) , ˈtär-\

Definition of torrid

1a : parched with heat especially of the sun : hot torrid sands
b : giving off intense heat : scorching
2 : ardent, passionate torrid love letters
Other Words from torrid Synonyms & Antonyms What Do torrid and Toast Have in Common? More Example Sentences Learn More about torrid

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Other Words from torrid

torridity \ tȯ-​ˈri-​dÉ™-​tÄ“ How to pronounce torridity (audio) \ noun
torridly \ ˈtȯr-​É™d-​lÄ“ How to pronounce torridly (audio) , ˈtär-​ \ adverb
torridness noun

What Do torrid and Toast Have in Common?

Torrid derives from the Latin verb torrēre, which means "to burn" or "to parch" and is an ancestor of our word toast. Despite the dry implications of this root, it is also an ancestor of "torrent," which can refer to a violent stream of liquid (as in "a torrent of rain"). "Torrid" first appeared in English in the 16th century, and was originally used to describe something burned or scorched by exposure to the sun. The term "torrid zone" later came about to refer to tropical regions of the Earth. By the end of that century the word had taken on the extended meaning that we know today - suggesting fiery passion.

Examples of torrid in a Sentence

The team had a torrid time trying to score. the dry, torrid summers in southern Arizona

Recent Examples on the Web

 After a bad July — .247 average, two home runs, .654 OPS — Arenado rebounded with a torrid August. — Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, "Saunders: Nolan Arenado Show is wowing ’em from coast to coast," 31 Aug. 2019 The torrid outside game was complemented by the inside play of Demetris Montgomery, who attracted double team play and consistently found the open man. — Emmett Hall, sun-sentinel.com, "Da Squad rolls to victory over Team Redemption in 30 & Up Hoops action," 29 Aug. 2019 The substance of the movie lies with the three best friends, who try to understand and express their love for one another amid the torrid social dynamics of sixth grade. — Marella Gayla, BostonGlobe.com, "In ‘Good Boys,’ sixth grade just isn’t what it used to be," 15 Aug. 2019 But on Monday morning the Mets woke up one game out of the playoffs after a torrid month that few could have predicted. — New York Times, "An Amazin’ Month for the Mets," 12 Aug. 2019 Maicon makes his romantic interest known, and he and Socrates are soon locked in a torrid embrace. — Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Socrates': Film Review," 7 Aug. 2019 Stewart was promoted to the majors in late-May after a torrid month in the International League, earning Orioles Minor League Player of the Month honors while batting .457/.518/.886 with 24 extra-base hits in 20 games at Triple-A Norfolk. — Jon Meoli, baltimoresun.com, "Orioles’ DJ Stewart leaves return to majors after slipping, taking fly ball off head," 7 Aug. 2019 The Giants’ torrid July is fading nearly out of sight in their rear-view mirror after a 5-3 loss to the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night, their eighth defeat in 12 games. — Jeff Faraudo, The Mercury News, "Giants’ struggles continue with second straight loss to Washington Nationals," 6 Aug. 2019 After a torrid spring as an early enrollee, freshman Mike Sainristil is the clear favorite to start at slot receiver. — Orion Sang, Detroit Free Press, "Projecting Michigan football's starters for 2019 season," 6 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'torrid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of torrid

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for torrid

Latin torridus, from torrēre

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More Definitions for torrid

torrid

adjective
How to pronounce torrid (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of torrid

: very hot and usually dry
: showing or expressing very strong feelings especially of sexual or romantic desire
British : very difficult, uncomfortable, or unpleasant

See the full definition for torrid in the English Language Learners Dictionary

torrid

adjective
tor·​rid | \ ˈtȯr-É™d How to pronounce torrid (audio) \

Kids Definition of torrid

: very hot and usually dry

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More from Merriam-Webster on torrid

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for torrid

Spanish Central: Translation of torrid

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