torch song

noun

Synonyms of torch songnext
: a popular sentimental song of unrequited love

Examples of torch song in a Sentence

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.
Those encountering Diesel’s Parton cover this week with no context may not know that there’s a rich history of Diesel singing dead-serious torch songs. — Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026 James Blake sometimes feels like pop music’s arch, ultra-serious older brother, floating above the scene with warbly torch songs that never quite come down to earth. — Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 12 Mar. 2026 Most recently, it's yielded almost power-ballad-style torch songs as another facet of the group's success. — Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 18 Nov. 2024 Besides torch songs, sea shanties, Latino roots and rockabilly tunes have been heard. — Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for torch song

Word History

Etymology

from the phrase to carry a torch for (to be in love)

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of torch song was in 1926

Rhymes for torch song

See All Rhymes for torch song

Browse Nearby Words

torch singer
torch song
torch tree
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Torch song.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torch%20song. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on torch song

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for torch song

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of apiary

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All