torch

torch — noun

1. a small battery-powered device you hold in one hand to light up dark places

1.nounA2
Definition

a small battery-powered device you hold in one hand to light up dark places

Example

Diego took his torch from the drawer when the lights went out.

torch + verb of reaching (take from, reach for)

Lauren shone her torch along the dark path to find her keys.

Common collocations
  • torch beam
  • torch batteries
  • shine a torch
  • flash a torch
  • torch light
Synonyms
  • flashlight

    the American English equivalent; same device, different regional term

  • lantern

    larger, often hangs or sits on a surface rather than being held and pointed

  • lamp

    general term for any light-producing device, not specifically handheld

Usage Note

In British English, 'torch' is the usual word for a battery-powered handheld light. In American English, the equivalent word is 'flashlight', and 'torch' there usually means a flaming stick (sense 2).

Common Mistakes

I need to charge my torch.
I need to put new batteries in my torch.
A torch usually runs on disposable batteries; 'charge' is for rechargeable devices like mobile phones.
Pass me the torch' (in a US classroom, meaning a flashlight).
Pass me the flashlight.
In American English, 'torch' means a flaming stick, not a battery-powered light.

2. a stick whose top end is wrapped in flammable material and set alight, used to i

2.nounB1
Definition

a stick whose top end is wrapped in flammable material and set alight, used to illuminate an area during ceremonies or dark conditions

Example

Hassan carried a burning torch into the cave to light the way for his group.

carry a burning torch (physical action)

At the opening ceremony, the runner passed the torch to the final bearer.

pass the torch (ceremonial context)

Common collocations
  • burning torch
  • pass the torch
  • torch relay
  • torch bearer
  • light a torch
Synonyms
  • flambeau

    formal or historical term for a flaming torch, especially a decorative one

  • brand

    archaic term for a burning piece of wood used as a torch

Usage Note

This is the original historical meaning of the word. Most commonly seen today in ceremonial contexts such as the Olympic torch relay or historical re-enactments.

Common Mistakes

The Olympic torch runs on batteries.
The Olympic torch uses a gas flame.
The Olympic torch is a real flame, not an electric device.

3. a hand-operated instrument that releases a jet of intensely hot fire, used for j

3.nounB2
Definition

a hand-operated instrument that releases a jet of intensely hot fire, used for jobs such as melting metal, stripping away paint, or searing food

Example

The pastry chef used a small torch to brown the sugar.

culinary torch (kitchen tool for browning)

Christopher heated the metal pipe with a torch until it was soft enough to bend.

heat metal with a torch (industrial use)

Common collocations
  • blow torch
  • gas torch
  • culinary torch
  • use a torch
  • torch flame
  • welding torch
Synonyms
  • blowtorch

    more common everyday term for this tool, especially in American English

  • blow lamp

    British term for a similar tool, often used in plumbing

Usage Note

Often called a 'blowtorch' or 'blow lamp' in everyday speech. In professional kitchens, a small culinary torch is common for browning sugar, melting cheese, or searing meat.

4. an idea, tradition, or belief that is passed from one generation to the next and

4.nounC1
Definition

an idea, tradition, or belief that is passed from one generation to the next and serves as a source of inspiration or guidance

Example

The activist passed the torch of freedom to a younger generation of leaders.

pass the torch (figurative idiom for transferring responsibility)

Élise saw the community library as a torch of knowledge lighting the way for everyone.

Common collocations
  • pass the torch
  • carry the torch
  • torch of freedom
  • torch of hope
  • torch of knowledge
Synonyms
  • legacy

    something handed down from the past, but without the active 'light-giving' metaphor

  • beacon

    something that guides or inspires, often used with 'hope' or 'light' imagery

Usage Note

Almost always used in the fixed expressions 'pass the torch' (transfer responsibility to someone younger) or 'carry the torch' (continue a mission or tradition). The 'torch' in this sense is always metaphorical, not a physical object.

Common Mistakes

He passed the torch to his son' (meaning he handed over a real flaming stick).
He passed the torch to his son' (context makes clear whether literal or figurative
if figurative, it means he handed over responsibility). — The phrase 'pass the torch' can be literal (sense 2, ceremony) or figurative (sense 4, responsibility); make sure the context is clear.
Idioms

carry a torch for someone

idiom

to be romantically attracted to someone for a long time, especially when the feeling is not returned

Justin has carried a torch for his college friend for years, but she never knew how he felt.

Even after ten years, Padma still carries a torch for her old high school sweetheart.

put something to the torch

idiom

to destroy a building, town, or other structure by setting it on fire deliberately

During the ancient invasion, the army put the entire village to the torch.

The rebels threatened to put the government buildings to the torch if their demands were not met.

carry a torch for somebody

idiom

To have romantic feelings for someone who does not feel the same way.

Mia still carries a torch for her high school sweetheart.

Does Diego carry a torch for his old friend?

torch — verb

Word family

  • torched
    adjectiveC1
  • torching
    nounC1
  • torchbearer
    nounC1
  • blowtorch
    nounB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

In British English, 'torch' is the usual term for a small, battery-powered handheld light, while in American English the same device is called a 'flashlight'. A 'lantern' is typically larger, designed to sit on a surface or hang from a hook, and may use candles, oil, or batteries — it is not normally pointed like a torch. 'Lamp' is a broad term covering any device that produces light, from table lamps to street lamps, but it rarely describes a portable handheld object. 'Light' is the most general word and can substitute for all of these in casual speech ('can you turn on a light?'), but it lacks the specificity of 'torch' or 'flashlight'. To illustrate: if you are in London and the electricity fails, you would reach for a 'torch'; in New York, you would ask for a 'flashlight'; around a campfire, you might light a 'lantern' to illuminate the whole table, not a torch.

flashlight ↗lantern ↗lamp ↗light ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • torch beam
  • torch batteries
  • torch flame
  • torch relay
  • torch bearer
  • torch song

Adverbs

Phrases

  • pass the torch
  • carry the torch
  • carry a torch for
  • put to the torch
  • torch of freedom
  • torch of hope
  • torch of knowledge

Prepositions

  • torch for someone (idiom)
  • torch something to the ground

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

The word 'torch' entered English through Old French 'torche', meaning a twisted bundle of straw or flax dipped in wax and used as a light source. The French word itself came from Latin 'torquēre' (to twist), referring to the twisted construction of early torches. The meaning of a battery-powered handheld electric light developed in early 20th-century Britain, when portable electric lamps were first marketed — the name 'torch' emphasised that this new device served the same purpose as the traditional flaming stick. The verb sense 'to set on fire deliberately' dates from the 17th century and reflects the destructive potential of a flame-bearing tool.