What does parched mean?
Parched means extremely dry, especially as a result of heat, drought, or the absence of water. The word is especially associated with land, grass, crops, skin, and throats that have lost their moisture. It can also describe a person as intensely thirsty, as in the expression “parched with thirst.” As a verb, parched means to make something dry or to become dry, although this use is less frequent than the adjective. The expression carries a vivid sense of severe dryness and is often used in descriptions of drought, hot weather, deserts, and prolonged exposure to the sun. It is widely understood in British and American English and can be used in both everyday speech and formal writing.
Extremely dry, especially from heat or lack of water; thirsty.
"They quenched their parched throats with cool water."
Commonly used to describe land, vegetation, skin, and throats; it can also mean intensely thirsty.
To make or become dry, especially through heat or lack of moisture.
"The summer sun parched the fields."
Less common than the adjective and often used in descriptive or literary contexts.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does parched come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old French parchi, meaning “to dry” or “parched,” ultimately related to a word for drying or making dry. Its familiar form in English developed from the earlier sense “to dry thoroughly,” which also gave rise to the related verb parch. Modern usage chiefly emphasizes extreme dryness caused by heat or thirst.
Related word forms
How parched is actually used
The adjective is common in both formal and informal writing. It often describes land, vegetation, skin, or the throat and conveys dryness caused by prolonged heat or lack of water. As a verb, it is less common and usually appears in literary or descriptive contexts.