Burnt

Burnt is the past participle of burn and an adjective describing something that has been damaged by heat or flame, often to the point of charring or darkening. It can apply to materials, such as wood or fabric, or to food that has been exposed to heat for too long. The term frequently conveys a sense of scorched surface or flavor.

Usage varies by dialect. In American English, burned is more common as the verb form; burnt remains common as an adjective and in fixed phrases (for example, burnt toast, burnt offering). In British English, burnt is standard for both the past participle and attributive use.

In cooking, burnt describes foods that have been overheated, producing a bitter taste or blackened exterior. Related terms include burnt sugar (caramelized sugar), burnt ends (a barbecue preparation), and colors such as burnt umber and burnt sienna, which describe dark, warm browns.

Burns are injuries resulting from heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. They are graded by depth (first-, second-, and third-degree) and extent. Treatment ranges from cooling and cleaning minor burns to seeking medical care for more severe injuries. Repeated or severe burns may lead to scarring or infection.

Historically, the term appears in religious contexts as burnt offerings, sacrifices entirely consumed by fire. In broader culture, “burnt” is used in idioms and literature to evoke scorch, ruin, or resilience after damage.