BURN - Definition & Meaning for Kids

Simple definitions and word synonyms for kids.

Meaning 1

Part of speech: Verb

destroy by fire

Example: They burned the house and his diaries

Categories: Destroy, Ruin

Meaning 2

Part of speech: Verb

undergo combustion

Example: Maple wood burns well

Categories: Change state, Turn

Meaning 3

Part of speech: Noun

a place or area that has been burned (especially on a person's body)

Categories: Blemish, Defect, Mar

Meaning 4

Part of speech: Verb

cause to burn or combust

Example: The sun burned off the fog; We combust coal and other fossil fuels

Meaning 5

Part of speech: Verb

shine intensely, as if with heat

Example: The coals were glowing in the dark; The candles were burning

Categories: Shine, Beam

Meaning 6

Part of speech: Verb

feel strong emotion, especially anger or passion

Example: She was burning with anger; He was burning to try out his new skies

Categories: Feel, Experience

Meaning 7

Part of speech: Verb

cause to undergo combustion

Example: burn garbage; The car burns only Diesel oil

Categories: Change integrity

Meaning 8

Part of speech: Verb

burn at the stake

Example: Witches were burned in Salem

Categories: Execute, Put to death

Meaning 9

Part of speech: Verb

spend (significant amounts of money)

Example: He has money to burn

Categories: Waste, Blow, Squander

Meaning 10

Part of speech: Verb

feel hot or painful

Example: My eyes are burning

Categories: Ache, Smart, Hurt

Meaning 11

Part of speech: Verb

burn with heat, fire, or radiation

Example: The iron burnt a hole in my dress

Categories: Damage

Synonyms

Combust, Glow, Fire, Burning, Suntan

🌱 Word Origin (Etymology)

The word "burn" comes from Proto-Germanic *brunnô. It started in Proto-West Germanic *brunnō. Then it appeared in Old English burne. Later, people used it in Middle English burn. After that, it was Proto-Indo-European *bʰrenw-. Over time, it became Proto-Germanic *brinnaną. Finally, it reached Proto-West Germanic *brinnan. It started in Old English birnan. Then it appeared in Middle English bernen. Many other languages have similar words:.

  • Middle Irish: brennim
  • Middle Irish: bréo
  • Albanian: burth
  • Sanskrit: भुरति
  • West Frisian: boarne
  • Dutch: bron
  • German: Brunnen
  • Albanian: burim
  • Ancient Greek: φρέαρ
  • Old Armenian: աղբիւր

🔗 Related Words

brew – A related word in the same word family.

bourn – A related word in the same word family.

brew – A related word in the same word family.

🧩 Fun Fact

Following this word's journey reveals ancient trade routes and cultural exchanges.

🎵 Words that Rhyme with Burn